Local Students Bring Thanksgiving to JFSLA Domestic Violence Shelters

Every Thanksgiving for almost the last two decades, families at JFS Hope’s domestic violence shelters receive holiday baskets filled with essential staples for a Thanksgiving meal. These baskets, prepared by the students and faculty of Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, also include tableware, flowers, and heartfelt cards.

“We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School,” said Kitty Glass, Community Outreach Coordinator for JFS Hope. “Their kindness goes beyond providing families with a holiday meal—it truly impacts our shelter residents. The holidays are especially hard for our residents, as they yearn to be with their families or back in their homes but are unable to return due to the violence they’ve escaped. These thoughtful holiday baskets bring them hope and a much-needed sense of belonging.”

From preschoolers to eighth graders, every student at Heschel contributes an item for the holiday baskets. Students learn about the importance of giving while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those they are helping.

“Creating and donating Thanksgiving baskets each year brings joy to our community and embodies our mission at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School,” said Larry Kligman, Head of School. “By supporting JFS Hope, we nurture our students’ compassion, inspire acts of kindness, and teach the importance of repairing the world—one basket, one family, and one meaningful connection at a time.”

Just before Thanksgiving, a school bus filled to the brim with baskets makes its way to JFSLA’s Valley Storefront Senior Center, where staff distribute them to JFS Hope transitional and emergency shelters.

“Residents are just so excited,” said Kitty Glass. “What always strikes me this time of year is not just their gratitude, but how many of them cannot fathom the kindness of strangers—people they’ll never meet in person, but who have thought of them during this time. Residents often say, ‘I wish I could thank them, I wish I could hug them, I wish I could do something.’ And we tell them, ‘They’re happy you’re happy and that you’ll have a nice holiday.’”

Thanks to the generosity of the Heschel School community, JFS Hope shelter residents are reminded of the community of support that is here for them. Some residents are preparing cards of gratitude for the students to express their heartfelt thanks.

JFS Hope operates two emergency shelters, a transitional shelter, two counseling centers, and two 24-hour crisis lines for survivors of domestic violence. In 2024 alone, 140 adults and 300 children facing domestic violence found safety and a new beginning in JFS Hope shelters.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please contact our 24-hour crisis lines at 818-505-0900 or 323-681-2626. For more information about JFS Hope, visit jfsla.org/hope.  

To learn more about JFSLA volunteer opportunities, please visit jfsla.org/volunteer or contact Joyce Williams, Director of Volunteers and Training, at 323-556-2928 or jmwilliams@jfsla.org.