The two special obligations of Purim – mishloach manot(distributing food) and matanot l’evyonim (gifts to the poor) – are part of what TikvaHope does every day.

So it is no surprise that TikvaHope, committed to securing a bright and hope-filled future for Israel’s disadvantaged children, takes this joyous holiday very seriously. What better time to brighten lives, than on a holiday where we are instructed to be happy?

To ensure that happiness, Purim celebrations were organized for the children and their families in all of the TikvaHope after-school clubs. Hundreds of Purim costumes were distributed – to each and every child in our network of youth centers that needed one. No child had to worry about not being able to afford a costume.

The Or Akiva youth club hosted a Purim party for ALL children and families in the city. More than 600 people attended the festivities, which included music, costumes, face painting, rides, shows, and of course, delicious treats!

TikvaHope distributed mishloach manot to children in all of the youth clubs and their families. In addition, children helped deliver packages to soldiers, the elderly, and to patients in hospitals. The children felt empowered to not just be on the receiving end, and to be able bring joy to others.