Families from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County community gathered on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Publix (8210 Glades Road, Boca Raton) for a high-energy Thanksgiving-themed competition hosted by PJ Our Way. The event challenged children and their families to race through the aisles and solve clues to collect essential items for the Jacobson Family Food Pantry at Rales JFS, which delivers groceries every other week, free of charge, to those experiencing food insecurity.
PJ Our Way™, an extension of PJ Library®, is designed for tweens aged 9-12 and serves as a platform to foster a deeper connection with Jewish values and traditions. By providing age-appropriate books that align with their interests, the program nurtures reading comprehension and supports the development of critical thinking. Beyond books, PJ Our Way™ offers interactive events and activities like Thanksgiving Supermarket Sweep, creating opportunities for families to engage with their community and do a mitzvah (good deed).
“This event is such a fun and meaningful way for families to engage in the spirit of giving,” said Elana Ostroff, PJ Library Director. “By combining teamwork with community service, we create a unique opportunity to teach children the importance of helping those in need while making lasting memories.”
For Nicole Kaplan, a PJ Our Way™ mom, the event has become a beloved tradition. “My family and I look forward to the PJ Our Way Thanksgiving Supermarket Sweep every year—it’s our favorite. It’s so special to see my daughters engaged in meaningful ways to give back to the community, all while connecting with peers and building lasting memories.”
The items gathered during the race directly addressed the Jacobson Family Food Pantry’s greatest needs, ensuring that the donations would have an immediate and significant impact. The event concluded with prizes and a celebration where participants reflected on the importance of community and gratitude.
For more about PJ Our Way™ and its initiatives, visit the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s dedicated page at https://jewishboca.org/departments/programs/pj-library/ or email Elana Ostroff at pjlibrary@bocafed.org.
About PJ Library® in South Palm Beach County
PJ Library® in South Palm Beach County is made possible by generous support from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, Leon and Toby Cooperman Family Foundation, Jewish Women’s Foundation, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. To learn more, visit www.jewishboca.org/pjlibrary.
About the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County
Established in 1979, the JFSPBC is made up of Jewish and social service organizations, synagogues, and schools that provide valued services and programs to recipients in South Palm Beach County, in Israel and around the world. The JFSPBC is also comprised of local residents, including lay leadership, volunteer, donors, professional staff, rabbis, educators, event participants and students. Situated on a 100-acre campus in west Boca Raton – the largest in the nation – the JFSPBC supports more than 70 beneficiaries, engages with more than 5,000 donors, and connects more than 130,000 residents. To learn more about how we contribute to a shared vision for the Jewish community, visit https://jfspbc.org or call 561.852.3100.
