Volunteers Needed for JCRS Hanukkah Wrap-a-thon on Sunday, October 18

Jewish Children’s Regional Service (JCRS) is seeking volunteers for its Oscar J. Tolmas Hanukkah Gift Program Wrap-a-thon on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Metairie JCC in the gymnasium, located at 3747 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie.

JCRS volunteers wrap Chanukah presents for deserving youth. (Photo by Alan Smason)

Volunteers are needed for this family-friendly annual event to wrap thousands of Chanukah gifts for low-income families from across the Mid-South.  Community service hours are available for students.

Each year, JCRS receives requests on behalf of more than 200 Jewish children and state hospital residents who will receive a gift package from JCRS containing at least eight wrapped gifts, one for each night of Chanukah. The youth who receive these gifts are known to JCRS, and many are already enrolled in one or more of JCRS’s need-based scholarship programs.

Pizza, snacks, and refreshments will be provided by JCRS throughout the day, and volunteers can watch the Saints take on the New York Giants on the big screen during game time. All gifts and wrapping materials are supplied.

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust and the commitment of more than 100 volunteers who write cards and wrap presents.