Sheri Greenbaum and her daughter, Jordyn, helping to sort Chanukah gifts.

Tonight, hundreds of Jewish Chicagoans in need will be unwrapping presents of blankets, cookware, new shoes, towels or gift cards, thanks to The ARK’s Chanukah Gift Wishes Program.

For many, these are the only gifts they will receive this season.

“The items our clients wished for — gift cards to grocery stores, gloves, toys for their children — reflect the truly difficult circumstances our clients are in,” said Marc Swatez, executive director of The ARK. “It means so much to our clients, their families, and to all of our staff and volunteers, that we were able to fulfill these small wishes. We are extremely grateful for the community’s support — it is truly the miracle that of our clients need.”

The ARK’s Chanukah Gift Wishes program connects the “wishes” of its clients with donors who provide the gifts. This year, thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, 1,300 Chanukah gifts were given to clients. Among the hundreds of donors who participated in The ARK’s Chanukah Gift Wishes Program were families who wanted to give back together.

“This program allows us to engage our children in doing a mitzvah as a family,” said Sheri Greenbaum, a program volunteer who participated with her 4-year-old daughter, Jordyn. “It allows them [my children] to understand the importance of giving, not just receiving on Chanukah.”

Four-year-old Jordyn added, “It makes them feel happy, and that makes me feel good.”

The ARK provides food, medicine, medical care, dental care, eye care and other vital necessities to nearly 4,000 Jewish Chicagoans of all backgrounds year-round.

The ARK is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. For more information visit www.arkchicago.org