Na’amat Edmonton and PJ Library partner in Community Chesed to support families in need

by Mira Campbell

(AJNews) – In a meaningful act of community collaboration and compassion, Na’amat Edmonton and PJ Library recently partnered to support a local charity dedicated to helping vulnerable families with newborns. The initiative benefited Basically Babies, an organization that provides essential baby supplies to parents living in situations of extreme need.

Basically Babies prepares and distributes complete layettes containing approximately 120 items of new or gently used baby essentials, including clothing, blankets, and care items for infants and toddlers up to 24 months old. These layettes help ensure that families facing significant challenges have the necessities to care for their babies with dignity and security.

Through the warmth and kindness of our community, PJ Library families contributed a car full of baby clothing and other infant items. In addition, Na’amat Edmonton donated a generous cheque for $500, which was presented to Chelsea Lee, the organization’s manager of operations, during the delivery.

The initiative was a beautiful example of community unity and compassion in action and reflects the deep Jewish value of chesed (acts of loving kindness), a core principle that encourages individuals and communities to care for those in need. Jewish tradition teaches that acts of compassion strengthen not only those who receive help, but also the entire community that comes together to provide it.

There will be a hands-on opportunity to do a mitzvah and help Basically Babies sort clothing on Thursday, April 23 from 6-9 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, please email Mira at pjlibrary@edjfed.org for more details.