By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

Women’s Philanthropy is having a Chanukah party with a focus on collecting toys and other items for kids who otherwise might not receive gifts.

Robin Raskin of FamilyMatters, a Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO) support network, will speak at the Shine Your Light event on Tuesday, December 17, at Jay’s Local in Allentown. Raskin will talk about FamilyMatters’ work providing case management and support services to families going through crises. She’ll get into how families in the Lehigh Valley can take advantage of what FamilyMatters offers, particularly with its new, large facility located just down the PA Turnpike in King of Prussia. 

One of FamilyMatters’ many efforts is to ensure that families going through difficult times don’t miss out on the uplifting effect of holiday celebrations. “No child should have to go without the holidays,” Raskin said. “We have boxes filled with gifts that we will deliver.”

In an interview with Hakol, Raskin described some of the problems FamilyMatters sees. Sometimes there’s an illness, or a child is diagnosed with a developmental issue. Insurance companies, schools, and courts can be difficult to navigate. 

“We are able to be that helping hand to help guide these families and these children through tough times,” she said. “It is so incredibly gratifying to see them come out the other end. These children are thriving. We are making sure that families stay together.”

Raskin put special emphasis on her organization’s effort to reach out to the Lehigh Valley since its relocation to King of Prussia. “We want people to know we’re not far from you,” she said. “Come have your kids meet other kids. It’s going to be a real community gathering spot.”

The new facility will offer all sorts of programs for kids and their families. There will be dance, music, and art classes. There will be classes in life skills and for parents and caregivers. There’s also “respite care,” she said, where children can stay with trained medical and social work professionals when their parents need a temporary getaway from home.

“We are the only organization in this area that is going to be able to offer something like that,” Raskin said. “That’s exciting because these families all need a bit of a break.”

The party runs from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., and sufganiyot (donuts) and other desserts will be served (dietary laws observed). A pledge to the Jewish Federation’s 2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs is required to attend. 

For information and to register for the event, chaired by Amy Oselkin, Tracy Sussman, and Kimberly Valuntas, scan the QR code below. Attendees are encouraged to view the gift wish list online and make a purchase there so packages can be shipped directly to FamilyMatters.