The efforts of Gift in inspiring young people to volunteer - and in helping more than 2,000 clients every week with food packages and direct assistance - were highlighted at the charity's dinner at The Grove in Hertfordshire, which raised more than £350,000.

"By creating volunteering opportunities that help families in crisis with child care, homework, or packing food parcels, Gift is creating the next generation of givers who in time will be key to supporting the communal institutions and activities of which we are so proud," diners were told by Rabbi Naftali Schiff, Gift founder and co-chair.

Its director, Michelle Barnett, said volunteers were "the true embodiment of the ideals Gift is teaching to thousands of young people each year".

Gift's approach was praised by Joseph Dweck, senior rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community.