Sparks to Life is a non-profit organization based in Tzfat that was founded at the beginning of 2020. Our first project was run in Israeli public schools to raise awareness around mental health challenges. We were able to present our workshops to hundreds of children and youth with a variety of advocacy activities and providing support options for distressed students before the first lockdown.

 

In the wake of extended school closures, our program shifted to providing customizable journals for children and teens to express their feelings during the difficult early days of the crisis. As lockdowns continued and tightened, we witnessed job loss, illness, and extreme isolation, especially among the elderly, disabled, and single-parent families.

 

We adapted our activities to fit the current needs and it became clear that healthy, nutritious meals were lacking among these demographics. While there are other food programs occasionally available, much of it is based on processed or highly refined food staples, which are filling but not necessarily strengthening the immune systems of these vulnerable populations.

 

“I’ve been feeling weak lately,” admitted one of our soup recipients, an older woman living alone. “I was worried about my health, but after eating these soups every week I realized I just wasn’t getting enough nutritious food.”

 

“I’m just getting out of the hospital again today and don’t have energy to cook,” related a widow with chronic health struggles. Another woman said she cried tears of joy when she found out she would receive soup. “I was so excited to know that someone remembered me.” A disabled recipient confided that our food delivery was the only sustenance they had for 3 days.

 

Through this program, we worked with local restaurants and suppliers who nearly went out of business due to the lockdowns and restrictions. In addition to preparing soup and other food items for our project, which we purchase at a reduced bulk price, they got an advertising boost and were also taking private orders so that they could keep running. 

 

Since the re-opening of commerce and communal gatherings, we have adapted our weekly food deliveries to fresh vegetable dishes, prepared lovingly by volunteers. For the single parents who come home from work to homework and housework, to the elderly or disabled who have difficulty standing in the kitchen to wash and chop, these healthy food packages give a nutritious boost. The food is really just a bonus though--the real benefit is a personal visit with a smile and checking in to see if they need other help.

​

We also operate a medical equipment gemach, where people can borrow a wheelchair, walker, blood pressure or sugar monitor, nebulizer or other important supplies.

​

Since the outbreak of the Iron Swords War on October 7, we have initiated several community safety projects including: vibrating smartwatches for the deaf to know when there are sirens, emergency food supplies for residents in need, equipment for soldiers and our city's armed civilian guard, and shelters for children's schools.

​

We invite you to partner with us, through volunteering or donations, to keep these important projects going strong. 

​