As winter unfolds in Israel, millions of Israelis are preparing for what forecasters believe will be a harsh and brutal season. While the majority of Israelis’ can afford to keep their homes warm and families healthy, there are over 1,000,000 Israeli’s living below the poverty line who lack basic necessities including much needed heat. With the high cost of electricity, which prevents thousands of stricken families from keeping warm, countless young children fall chronically ill each winter.

When Warm the Needy was established back in 2003, this all began to change. It was founded with a simple yet critical mission; to warm the hearts and homes of Israel’s needy. “I saw the problem and realized that it had to be taken care of, fast.” Says the founder, Hershel Puretz.

Through its network of activists spanning fourteen cities across Israel, it provide heaters and electric subsidies to over two thousand families to date. Working hand in hand with several major relief organizations, it has developed a proven relief system that has improved the lives of tens of thousands of poor Israeli’s.

The Israel Electric Corporation is a proud and strategic partner in their efforts. “It is a pleasure for us to be involved with such a reputable and hardworking charity” says Iris Unknown, Spokeswoman for the IEC.

Through an interactive software program, they directly subsidize their rightful portion of the electricity bill as soon as it is due ensuring that the family never has their service cut off. Their cooperative relationship serves as a model to many NGO’s and government agencies all over the world.

Warm the Needy has been lauded and recognized by the Mayor of Jerusalem as well as the Chief Rabbi. They have both signed letters of approbation which can be seen on Warm the Needy’s website at warmtheneedy.org where you can read all about their activities.

Over the past five weeks, they have added over five hundred destitute families to their aid list, which now totals over 2,000. Warm the Needy’s recipients range from single mothers to large families with as many as fourteen children. All recipients information is kept strictly confidential ensuring their respect and privacy.

“My family really has a big debt of gratitude to all the volunteers at Warm the Needy. Our family would have frozen if not for their lifesaving aid!” says, Mrs. F., mother of several young children.

Staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers, 100% of your contribution goes directly to keeping a family warm throughout the winter. “As a volunteer who has worked with other organizations in the past, all I can say is that Warm the Needy has really set an example for other agencies to follow.” says Jason, a dedicated volunteer in charge of marketing. “Their methods and aid philosophy go a long way in battling poverty across ‘Israel.”