Chabad’s “Sunshine Circle” for Holocaust Survivors & Seniors in South Florida, run by Shluchim Rabbi Shimon and Liba Andrusier of Chabad of Century Village, quadrupled their services and programming as the state is becoming one of the country’s latest Covid-19 epicenters.
Over 40 volunteers with masks and gloves packed into Chabad of Southwest Broward, under the auspices of Rabbi Pinny and Gitty Andrusier, this morning to pack a “Breakfast-in-a-Bag” to over 150 Holocaust Survivors & Seniors all over South Florida.
“Some of the seniors have not seen a soul or left their apartments in days for the fear of catching the terrible virus,” Mrs. Liba Andrusier said.
90-year-old Lenore L., who has no family and used to be a busy volunteer and work for the Speaker of the House in Brooklyn, now lives in Florida is having it rough. She lives on the 4th floor and was told by her Dr. that she shouldn’t use the elevator as who knows what germs she might catch”, said Liba.
“This breakfast was a lifesaver”, Lenore said. “I used to volunteer all my life and wish that I can still do that, but I guess I need to be a recipient at this time in my life”. We also signed Lenore up for the Glatt Kosher Meals on Wheels Program, where she will get 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners delivered to her door every week.
Andy S., a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor, who was a daily Shacharis-Minyan goer said he feels “so useless now”. His children don’t let him go shopping by himself, so we arranged a volunteer to take him to Costco to get his favorite kosher cold cuts that he likes. He also receives daily friendly calls from our Friendly call volunteers. “It really brightens my day,” said Andy, “I feel like I can give back to others when I tell them my story and life experiences”.
Sunshine Circle has also been delivering Shabbos Packages to Covid-19 patients in the nearby hospitals where they were only allowed to drop the package off at the front desk with the patient’s name and room number and the nurse had to get “suited – up” to bring it into the patient’s room.
“We hope to shut this branch of our program down really soon, and go back to our “in-home visitations” and weekly Shabbos meals where we all sit, sing and enjoy each other’s company together like it used to be”, said Rabbi Andrusier.
To participate, please go to www.sunshinecirclefl.com
You guys are the greatest. I received Challah Grape juice and delicious cookies for the Andrusier’s for 3 Shabbosim that I spent in the Hospital in Pembroke Pines with Covid 19. Yasher Koach