Christmas is a time of family togetherness, presents and eggnog, and religious observance for countless Christians in America. Unfortunately, many people who work at institutions that cannot close on Dec. 25 have their holiday celebrations put in jeopardy. B’nai B’rith members in many communities have come together to volunteer their time so that non-essential workers can take the day off to be with their families.

“Project Snowflake” has been a B’nai B’rith tradition in some communities for more than 30 years, and is ever-expanding. In some communities, it is known as “Project Brotherhood” or “Pinch Hitters.” This past Christmas, the B’nai B’rith Mahoning Lodge in Youngstown, Ohio, expanded its operation to four local hospitals. In Philadelphia, 100 members of the B’nai B’rith Towers Lodge dedicated their time to shifts at a fire company, ambulance squad, and police station. Local newspapers highlighted these specific examples of B’nai B’rith’s charity towards others.

For more information on “Project Snowflake” in your area, contact Rhonda Love, B’nai B’rith International vice president of programming, at cca@bnaibrith.org.