A large and important part of our Jewish population are still homebound and lonely; they haven’t seen children, grandchildren and friends for close to a year – our seniors.
Sunshine Circle of Chabad of South West Broward, run by Rabbi Shimon snd Liba Andrusier under the auspices of Rabbi Pinny and Gitty Andrusier, delivered hundreds of Mishloach Manot to Holocaust Survivors and Seniors for Purim. Junior Shliach, Mendel Andrusier, flew in special from Mesivta to read the Megilla to many local Rehabs, Nursing homes and to the many seniors who can’t get out.
Since Covid started, the Sunshine Circle has been delivering hundreds of bi-weekly “care packages” for Yomim Tovim, breakfasts and lunches with homemade cards from children from the PJ Library as well as other gifts.
The Sunshine Circle also has hundreds of “friendly call” volunteers from all over the US who call the seniors weekly, helping prevent isolation and loneliness. Other parts of the program include; signing up seniors to receive Kosher Meals on Wheels, assistance with funds for expensive medicines, setting them up with doctors, dentists and medical insurances, “Shopping Volunteers” and directing them to the appropriate help for emotional and mental health issues.
“We’re dealing with a lot since Covid. Last week, we had a senior in his 60’s taking care of his mother in her 80’s who both became homeless and we had to find them an apartment overnight, Baruch Hashem, with Hashems’ help, we found him a 2 bedroom apartment and our mission was accomplished,” says Rabbi Shimon Andrusier.
“The local Jewish Federation of Broward have been tremendous supporters of our work as well as hundreds of volunteers from the community,” says Liba Andrusier.
Andy S., a 93 Holocaust Survivor who has a friendly call volunteer call him each week- “I wait all week for Seymours call, and it gives me hope to keep on living in these hard times.”
“It feels like it’s another Holocaust,” says Rachel K., “but when my volunteer drops off delicious, hot meals each week, and my friend Lisa calls me at 4:00 every day, my loneliness fades away.”
Anyone can get involved from anywhere by making calls or donating at www.sunshinecirclefl.com.
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incredible. it’s hard to remember that there’s an entire population of lonely seniors out there who can’t even leave their homes.
wow
How beautiful is this mitzvah!!! And how great it is that so many people from the community joined the effort for this life/soul-saving mitzvah. May your efforts tip the scales to bring Moshiach Tzidkenu NOW!
Yasher Koach!
The Andrusier’s are incredible! This is very inspiring!!
This is so special!!