HaOlam-idays Challenge

Purim is coming! The HaOlam-idays Challenge is a Social Action project to help you make a difference in your communities while learning about Jewish values. It is a mitzvah on Purim to give Matanot L’evyonim, in English, gifts for those in need. Matanot L’evyonim are baskets filled with candy and snacks to be given out on Purim. Traditionally, one must distribute a minimum of two baskets containing enough Tzedakah to provide for a meal, but USY will be stepping it up to include snacks, water, and toiletries as well. Differently from Mishloach Manot, baskets given to our friends and family, Matanot L’evyonim are disbursed to the homeless.

Instructions: You will be competing by region to create and disburse Matanot L’evyonim. The region with the most amount of Matanot given, will receive a sweet treat at their next in-person convention. To win points in the HaOlam-idays challenge, your Matanot must include both non-perishable snacks and basic necessities. Your assembled basket must include the following at minimum:

• 1-2 Water bottles
• 2-3 Fun snacks (candy, chips, etc.)
• 2-3 Nutritious snacks (granola bars, nut mixes, dried fruit, etc.)
• Toiletries (hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste tissues, deodorant, band-aids, vaseline, lotion, etc.)
• Bonus: gloves, gum, socks, hand warmers, uplifting notes

*Matanot should be assembled in durable bags.

Distribution: It is up to you to distribute your Matanot. Please wear a mask and stay safe as you hand them out. Below are a few examples of how you can distribute them:

1. Driving through main streets in your neighborhood and distribute when you see a homeless person
2. Keeping baskets in your car and handing them out to homeless people as you come across them in your daily life
3. Depending on the area you live in, you can also visit urban settings with heavier homeless populations to distribute
4. Contact your local Women’s Center, Jewish Federation, JCC, or other charitable organization near you in need of these kinds of baskets
5. Your chapter or synagogue may organize a HaOlam-idays Challenge event as well

Competition:

• Fill out this form when your Matanot L’evyonim are finished
• Take pictures of the baskets for evidence
• Please be honest when noting how many baskets you made and delivered
• 1 basket = 1 point

Use this form to submit your Matanot L’evyonim!
Please contact Ayden Kligfeld, International Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice Preisdent ([email protected]), or Hannah Plotkin, International Religion/Education Vice President ([email protected]), with any questions