One year since it first launched to help Chabad shluchim all over the world with automated daily $1 donations from a pool of dedicated givers, DollarDaily.org is closing in on the 500 mark, a milestone it hopes to achieve before Yom Kippur.
DollarDaily.org is the brainchild of Toms River businessman Yosef Shidler, co-owner of CJ Studios with his wife Sarah. Seeing the success of the Daily Giving website, which contributes the accumulated dollar donations from all of its subscribers to a single organization each day, Shidler realized that the model could be a lifeline to shluchim, many of whom face crushing financial hardships in order to keep their Chabad houses open to serve the public.
“DollarDaily helps all those shluchim in the middle of nowhere who struggle for food and funds to clothe their children,” said Shidler, who is also the editor of the book Amazing Miracle Stories for Kids. “In the face of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, there are many shluchim who need us now more than ever. Whenever there is a natural disaster or crisis. thousands turn to Chabad for help, and the shluchim desperately need funds to answer their cries.”
The recent depredations Hurricane Ian has made to the Florida coastline have affected thousands. Many Jewish Florida residents are turning to their local Chabad shluchim for guidance and assistance, both spiritual and practical.
“It’s like a war zone here now! Chabad centers throughout the metro Orlando area are already preparing hot meals and shelter to those in need. We’re trying to get through it, day by day,” said Rabbi Yitzchak Minkowitz, director of Chabad of Ft. Meyers, Florida. “In previous storms Chabad was able to brush off the storm and bounce back quickly. With the help of its generous supporters, we were able to provide meals, shelter, provisions and supplies to those in need.”
“At least we have plenty of schach on the ground,” joked Rabbi Levi Dubov of Chabad of Orlando, FL, as he surveys a fifteen-foot tree fallen on the street. “With G-d’s help, we will get power back on and be up-and-running for Yom Kippur and Sukkos services.”
Rabbi Fishel Zaklos, director of Chabad of Naples, FL, invited all those in need to a barbeque dinner at the Chabad house. For those without electricity and running water, the fresh, hot food is a lifesaver, as is the opportunity to unite with friends and unify the community. Zaklos is also offering pre-packaged Shabbat meals for anyone in need.
As the shluchim in Florida field call after call from homeless Floridians, their budget stretches thinner than ever. With Yom Kippur and Sukkos fast approaching, the shluchim are in desperate need of funds, as shuls and Chabad centers all along the Florida coast have suffered damages from Hurricane Ian. Shidler is receiving requests from many who urgently need funds to restore their damaged properties.
“Our building took a direct hit,” writes Rabbi Yossi Labkowski, director of Chabad of Cape Coral. “We need funds to rebuild and restore our Chabad house.”
Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Chabad of Sarasota and Manatee Counties shared a photo of their preschool with a fallen tree blocking access to the playground and creating a large gap in the fence.
“It must be mended before we can restart school,” Steinmetz shared.
“DollarDaily.org is privileged to lead the hurricane relief effort for shluchim,” Shidler commented. “It is the least we can do to show our appreciation and support for the Rebbe’s shluchim.”
For the next couple of weeks, or until necessary, DollarDaily.org will be donating the accumulated funds from the website each day to Chabad centers in Florida.
“It’s hard to imagine a better time than now to sign up with DollarDaily.org,” noted Shidler. “In addition to effortlessly giving tzedakah daily, you are also alleviating the damage caused by the hurricane and giving vital support to Florida residents. Of course, you are also supporting the Rebbe’s shluchim around the world, uniting Jews from all walks of life and grabbing extra zechuyos before Yom Kippur – all that for just $1 a day. It just doesn’t get any better than this.”
So happy for what DollarDaily.org is doing. Helping so many shlucjim
What these shluchim do are incredible