As it has for the past 39 years, the B’nai B’rith Horeb Lodge in New Haven helped make Passover a happy holiday for families in need throughout the area through PROJECT HOPE – a kosher-for-Passover food drive organized by Lodge chair Harold Miller.

“I started by contacting various offices of the Jewish Family Service (JFS) and Tower One in New Haven. I am in touch with JFS in New Haven, Bridgeport, Danbury, Waterbury/Southbury, Greenwich, and New London,” Miller explained to the Ledger. “I asked all of them how many packages needed for the current year and then I arranged to provide for it.” After the packages were assembled at the JCC of Greater New Haven in Woodbridge, representatives from JFS and Tower One stopped by to pick them for distribution to their clients.

Volunteers are key to the effort, Miller says. Among those who lend a helping hand in preparing the packages and loading them into cars: Cosmopolitan Masonic Lodge, B’nai B’rith members, BBYO teens, members of Yale’s AEPi fraternity, and JCC members. Funding comes from various sources, including B’nai B’rith members, the Jewish Federations of New Haven and Southbury, the Jewish Foundation of New Haven, and Cosmopolitan Lodge, as well as individuals.

It’s hard work, says Miller, but well worth the effort.

“We distributed almost 400 packages this year,” he says.

CAP: Some of the many Project Hope volunteers at the JCC of Greater New Haven. Photo credit: Jenna Leigh Goldberg.