In late March and early April, The ARK celebrated Passover, an important time of prayer, reflection and celebration in the Jewish community. In a normal year, we’d gather around the seder table with our loved ones, eating, drinking and singing festive songs.

Last year, we experienced Passover as largely the first holiday to occur during the global COVID-19 pandemic. As health concerns and social distancing guidelines continue to restrict large gatherings as we approached the second pandemic Passover, we knew we had a responsibility to ensure every ARK client could properly (and safely) celebrate, participate in a seder dinner, and be able to observe the Kosher regulations of the eight-day holiday.

Thanks to the generosity of The ARK’s donors and volunteers, we were able to provide Passover essentials for hundreds of clients over the month of March, continuing our mission to support the Chicagoland Jewish community.

Throughout March, more than 50 volunteers delivered 800 food packages and 400 seder meals to The ARK clients, including Kosher products specific for Passover, ensuring they could properly observe the beginning of the holiday.

The packages and meals were prepared by 16 incredible volunteers that came to The ARK for a combined total of 40 pantry shifts throughout the duration of the month.

We could not be more thankful for the ongoing generosity and support of the Chicagoland Jewish community, particularly during COVID-19. The contributions of our volunteers and donors have allowed us to continue to ensure all our clients receive the support and resources they need and deserve.