Schools, shuls and individuals have responded positively to World Jewish Relief’s Operation Winter Survival to provide essential items for impoverished Jewish families in Eastern Europe.

Many organisations have planned group “packathons” to fill survival bags with donated warm clothes and toiletries. Members of United, Reform, Liberal and Masorti communities have joined forces for a Herts collection. In Kenton, Sobell Sinai primary pupils have adopted the project as part of a programme about the importance of helping deprived and vulnerable communities worldwide.

“The response has been fantastic,” reported Rosalind Bluestone, manager of WJR’s Gifts in Kind programme. “The need is great and our survival bags are an easy way to make a big difference.”

WJR hopes to fill over 2,000 bags between now and January.