
We’ve all made donations before—clicking a button, filling out a form, and then moving on with our day. It can feel pretty impersonal, right? But the truth is, choosing where to give our hard-earned money is one of the most personal decisions we can make. It’s a commitment to make a real difference in someone else’s life.
And that person on the other side of our donation? For them, it’s the difference between struggle and stability, uncertainty and hope.
Because we know that we’ve been popping into your inboxes a lot these past weeks, we wanted to press PAUSE and share three stories of people whose lives have been changed by your generosity.
Mrs. G., Livingston, NJ
Mrs. G. is 88 years old, a Holocaust survivor, and living on a fixed income. Over time, her savings have dwindled, and her health has worsened. She used to get by with a couple of days of home care each week, but now, with her needs growing, that’s simply not enough. She’s in need of daily supervision and help with personal care.
Thanks to funding from Federation’s Holocaust Survivor Fund, Mrs. G. now gets the care she needs to live comfortably and with respect. She has five days of home care each week, as well as two days at the Littman Memory Center. The support she receives ensures that she can stay in her home, age with dignity, and not face the challenges alone.
N., Ofakim, Israel
N. is an unemployed single mother of two. Recently, her landlord informed her that he wouldn’t renew her lease, leaving her with few options and a lot of stress. With expert assistance through an on-the-ground organization funded by Federation, N. successfully receives a monthly subsidy of nearly $300 and a significant retroactive payment. Empowered by this newfound financial stability, N. has secured a new apartment. She is now able to focus on creating a comfortable environment for her children and pursuing professional training to re-enter the workforce.
Alla C., Kyiv, Ukraine
In Kyiv, Ukraine, Alla C. is an elderly Jew who’s faced unimaginable hardships over the past few years. Despite the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, Alla has found strength and support through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), one of Federation’s partners.
During Hanukkah, she shared this message of gratitude: “Life is so hard for everyone right now. JDC saves thousands of lives, and without this help it would be extremely difficult for us. During my childhood, we didn’t celebrate Hanukkah. We didn’t even know such holidays existed. I want to believe that lighting the candles sparks warmth and kindness in every person, inspiring them to be more compassionate, caring, understanding, and supportive of each other. I hope this warmth stays in their hearts forever.”
So, next time you make that donation, remember—it’s not impersonal. It’s a personal investment in someone’s future, someone’s dignity, someone’s longing for a better life.
Ready to make that difference? Click here to donate: Monthly Giving
The 2025 UJA Annual Campaign runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, with pledges payable through December 31, 2025. Your support helps sustain these powerful, personal stories year-round.