TEXAS — Christmas morning at the Jewish Community Center in Austin was filled with ribbons and box-folding as the Agudas Achim Congregation prepared to deliver cookies to essential workers on Christmas Day.
Volunteer Debbie Cohen brought her two sons, Ethan and Spencer Cohen, to help fill the boxes for first responders and hospital staff.
“We don’t really celebrate Christmas, so we’re delivering cookies so they can still celebrate Christmas while they’re doing their job,” Ethan said.
They may not share in Christmas traditions, but for this community, this is tradition — and an opportunity to say thank you.
“This holiday is not a sacred holiday to us, so if we can bring a little bit of sweetness and cheer to them, we’re showing them gratitude,” Debbie said.
Cindy Lindauer has participated in the tradition for 25 years and used to bring her two kids.
“I feel like I’m teaching my children to give back to the community, the purpose of volunteerism,” Lindauer said.
In total, the congregation visited 72 fire and police stations, hospitals and assisted living facilities in the Austin area to deliver a little holiday magic.
“We are trying to do goodwill as a Jewish group to give back to others,” Lindauer said.
Anyone who would like to get involved in next year’s event can contact the Agudas Achim congregation.