One of the four mitzvot of Purim is to give charity to people who are poor. As in previous years, in 2026 we are raising funds for three organized groups, as well as for individuals in our campus community who reach out confidentially.
Barbara Mendelson Tomchei Shabbos of St. Louis
The Barbara Mendelson Tomchei Shabbos Fund was established to provide kosher food for Shabbat and holidays to families in need. A special food pantry stocked with kosher food and meat is available for its clients. Its operation is maintained by donations of food and money.
Mrs. Mendelson, for whom the fund is named, served the campus community for many years ensuring that students had access to Kosher food. Donate here: https://www.tomcheistl.org/donate.html.
Colel Chabad - Rabbi Meir Baal Haness Charities in the Holy Land
Established in 1788 by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, Colel Chabad is the oldest continuously operating Tzedakah network in Israel.
When you donate to Israeli charities like Colel Chabad, you’re making a difference in the biggest way possible. There are many ways to donate to the poor in Israel, with countless Israeli charitable organizations and groups supporting important causes. But none compare to the prominence, status, or far-reaching impact as Colel Chabad.
Your contributions to Colel Chabad are used exclusively to support these humanitarian social services which aid the disadvantaged regardless of their origin, affiliation or degree of observance. Donate here: https://colelchabad.org/purim/?form=purim-26.
Sumy Ukraine Emergency Fund
The town of Sumy is in northeastern Ukraine and has been on the front lines for over four years. If you are looking for a specific need, consider making a gift toward the Jewish community of our "adopted" city, Sumy, Ukraine. Even an amount that may seem insignificant in the US can change someone's life in Ukraine where a monthly salary is $250. The direct PayPal and Zelle address for donations is [email protected].
Here is a video of Rabbi Yechiel Shlomo Levitansky, of Sumy, talking about his community at the Shluchim Conference.