Federation expands funds to
 support disaster relief

First it was Harvey. Then Irma. Now, as we begin the Jewish new year, a series of natural disasters are taking their toll on millions of people, here in the United States, in the Caribbean and in Mexico. In just four weeks, hurricanes and earthquakes have caused an extraordinary amount of destruction in these areas and the need is only continuing to grow.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is ready, raising funds to aid those affected and to rebuild lives and communities.

As always, the Federation will absorb all administrative costs, so that 100 percent of funds collected will provide relief for the thousands impacted by these disasters.

Thus far, Chicago's Federation has raised over $800,000 to support efforts to rebuild homes, institutions, communities and lives in Texas and Florida. Moving forward, donations to the Jewish Federation Disaster Relief Fund will also support hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean, and earthquake relief efforts in Mexico.

We are in touch and working with the Jewish Federations of North America, NECHAMA: Jewish Response to Disaster, our overseas partners and local Jewish communities in the storms' paths to gauge the scope of the damage and to quickly address specific needs of the Jewish and general communities.

The Chicago Federation's TOV Volunteer Network is organizing a series of missions, beginning in late-October, to help with recovery efforts in hard-hit Houston. For more information, visit the TOV website.

Contributions to the Jewish Federation Disaster Relief Fund can be made online at www.juf.org/DisasterRelief or by clicking the Donate button below. If you would like to designate your donation to a particular location, please specify in the comments section.

Donations also can be made via hotline, (312) 444-2869, or by sending a check payable to the Jewish Federation Disaster Relief Fund to 30 S. Wells Street, #3015, Chicago, IL 60606.