Gift of Gratitude Letter

Give the Gift of Gratitude

Dear Friend of the JFS Community,

"You cannot give a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) You don't have to wait for a holiday or a special occasion to thank someone. By making a gift of gratitude in honor of special people in your personal and professional lives, you will not only honor them but also provide critically important support and become our community partner while helping:

• Put food on the table for those who are less fortunate
• Provide transportation and accompaniment to doctor's appointments for the frail and elderly
• Offer assistance to couples in marital crisis and bring them closer to a positive resolution and a brighter future
• Provide housing and employment services to those in our community who struggle to sustain themselves
• Bring hope and a sense of community to those who are isolated physically, emotionally and socially

We are making it easy to give this season. With each $50 "Gift of Gratitude" donation, JFS will send up to 5 tribute cards in your name with a personalized message.
You can honor a co-worker, pay tribute to your grandparents, recognize a teacher, celebrate your children and give thanks to a caregiver.
JFS invites you to participate in the Gift of Gratitude program and become our partner in the healing and strengthening of our community.

Be a part of our success and help us give a Gift of Hope to those JFS serves.

In gratitude,

Phyllis Herzig, JFS Board President
Anya Abramzon, JFS Executive Director

Take the Stress out of day to day living...

Stay home, connect with friends and family and keep it simple.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Food

• Host a potluck...no one gets stuck with all the cooking (or clean up) and guests take their serving pieces home with them!

• Plan a pizza night

- Buy pizza dough from your neighborhood Pizzeria or favorite market

- Divide dough in half or quarters and let everyone create their own pizza

- Set up a variety of toppings so each family member can choose what they like; this can include veggies, cheeses, olive oil, herbs and spices, etc.

• Set up a sweet table

- Host a get together for dessert.

- Ask each friend to bring a sweet treat

- Kids can even bake some cookies or brownies ahead of time so they feel that they've contributed

- You can brew coffee and tea and serve flavored syrups or creams to spice it up

- Clean up is simple

- It's family friendly

- Who doesn't love dessert?

Activities

• Game night...get out the Monopoly board, play charades or test your singing abilities with Karaoke

• Movie night...who needs the red carpet?

- Rent a movie, pop a big bowl of popcorn, dim the lights and let the show begin

- For extra family fun, spread blankets on the floor and have everyone get in PJs

- Change up the popcorn a bit by adding cinnamon, grated cheese or Cajun spice

- If you're a candy lover, you can get a variety of movie theatre boxed candy at the Dollar Stores

• The great outdoors...get out of the house and head to your nearest park

- Take the dog
- Pack a lunch; don't forget the water
- Ride bikes; wear your helmets
- Enjoy the change of seasons, crisp air, crunchy leaves

Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County