WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. — For the past month, Rhonda Lindnert has been busy as she prepares for the Tikkun Ha-Ir Holiday Gifts Program.  

What You Need To Know

  • Tikkun Ha-Ir is a Jewish social justice group in the Milwaukee area that's been around for 20 years

  • In Hebrew, Tikkun Ha-Ir means "repair the city"

  • The group has collected donations that will be given to 13 organizations this holiday season

“We are working to help different organizations in the city give their clients a great holiday,” said Lindnert. 

She’s the education director for the Jewish Social Justice Organization. Tikkun Ha-Ir means “repair the city” in Hebrew. Different Jewish organizations donated different clothing items, hygiene products and toys for the gift drive. 

“Monday and Tuesday, all of these donations will be distributed to 13 different organizations throughout the city,” explained Lindnert. “One of them is Jewish, the rest of them are serving all sorts of clients throughout the city.” 

Lindnert said the donations will go to hundreds of families in need. The organizations that the items are being donated to include

  • All Peoples Gathering
  • Aurora Walker’s Point
  • Benedict Center
  • Casa Maria Family
  • Cathedral Center
  • Community Advocates Women’s Shelter
  • Grand Avenue Club
  • Guest House MKE
  • Jewish Family Services
  • Meta House
  • Nia Imani Family
  • Pathfinders
  • Project S.T.A.Y.

“These are clients that are escaping family trauma, working to overcome addiction, and they just need a little boost to give their families a great holiday,” said Lindnert.

Ruth Irving is one of the many volunteers who have helped sort out the gifts. 

“This organization is perfectly suited for what I want to be doing, which is giving in a way that begins to address some of the disparities between people who have plenty for their needs and their holidays and people who don’t, and so this is pretty meaningful in that respect,” said Irving. 

Both women said they are thankful to help others this holiday season. 

“This is an opportunity for all of us to live out our Jewish values and to spread joy throughout the community,” said Lindnert. 

The organization has been around for two decades, and both Lindnert and Irving said they hope the tradition will continue for years to come.

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