Viewfinder: Volunteers Make Deliveries to Kids With Special Needs

When she learned that the holiday of Purim fell on Sunday this year, Bassie Shemtov, Director of Friendship Circle’s Lifetown, decided it would be fun to “go a little crazy” during the organization’s annual Purim Drive.

In the past, groups of costumed volunteers visited the homes of 50 children with special needs, bringing hugs and packages of traditional holiday treats.

This year, carloads of volunteer drivers visited more than 600 homes, delivering gifts to their "special friends" as well as hundreds of current and alumni teen and adult volunteers.

“This is the first year we’re hitting every family and teen," said Shemtov.. "The volunteers look forward to connecting with the kids; they can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces.”

The special deliveries included edible goodies plus 200 custom blankets donated by Project Linus, a national non-profit organization which provides hand-made blankets to children who could use some extra comfort.

After presenting the blankets, volunteers helped the kids bake hamantashen, three-cornered pastries traditionally eaten on Purim.

“The Torah usually tells us to give to those who are needy, people we don’t know,” said Rabbi Levi Shemtov, the Executive Director of Friendship Circle of Michigan. “On Purim we're supposed to give to our friends, so this is a very appropriate project for us.”

provides programs and services to more than 170 families who have children or young adults with special needs.