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Project funds scholarships
By LINDA M. LINONIS
boardman
Christmas customs abound in families, communities and countries. One Valley tradition, now in its 44th year, is a holiday gift-wrapping project sponsored by the Jewish Community Center.
Kaye Doran, membership director at JCC, explained that B’nai B’rith started the fundraiser in 1966. It’s been at the Southern Park Mall for the last 15 years. JCC volunteers will wrap gifts from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday at a station in the J.C. Penney concourse.
The group first sponsored the project for a dozen years at the former Hills store in the Liberty Plaza, then three years at the former Zayre’s store, also on Belmont. From there, it went to Eastwood Mall in Niles for some 14 years before relocating to Southern Park Mall, where it has been since 1995. Terry Roth and Marilyn Sniderman were involved at the start; Sniderman still assists with lining up volunteers.
"The first year, the profit was $357. Last year, we cleared $10,000,” Doran said.
The funds go toward a $50,000 budget for scholarships at JCC, Doran said. These are for the summer camp, Child Development Center and people who need a membership for health reasons but can’t afford it.
Doran said volunteers will use some 20 rolls of paper with 833 feet on each and 15 spools of ribbon with 250 yards per roll.
When B’nai B’rith evolved into Jewish Women International, the founding organization asked JCC if it would be interested in continuing the project. It was.
The feat takes foresight, planning and 10 to 15 volunteers a shift.
“There are 280 three-hour shifts,” Doran said. The shifts run from 9 a.m. to noon, noon to 3 p.m., 3 to 6 and 6 to 9. Volunteers come from JCC, the Valley at large, high school students and Youngstown State University students.
Liz McGarry, director of development of Hospice of the Valley, was concluding that organization’s stint at gift wrapping, which was Dec. 3-17. She noted how the two organizations are linked. In 1979, the Federation of Jewish Women received a grant that funded the formation of Hospice.
Doran said the fundraiser serves all involved. Some customers comment on the irony of a Jewish organization wrapping Christmas presents, she said. Overall, she said, customers appreciate the service and convenience.
The fundraiser garners much support from repeat customers and generous customers. “Last year, one guy had us wrap about 20 gifts. He gave me $250,” Doran said. The suggested donation per package is $3.
Doran said she believes the customers realize they are doing more than patronizing a fundraiser, they are supporting a Valley organization that gives back to the community through the programs it offers and the scholarships it gives.
Vivian Fantauzzi, a social worker at Jewish Family Service at JCC, is a shift captain. "I can’t remember not doing this,” she said. “I think people support it because it’s a good cause.”