Purim Challenge: You give cans. I give cash.

**UPDATE:  This challenge will be extended through tomorrow, just to have one more opportunity day for a mitzvah!!  Please give what you can!!**

Matanot L'Evyonim - one of the major mitzvot of Purim but sometimes overlooked.  This is the mitzvah where, even though we go crazy with our celebrations, we ALWAYS remember those who are needy among us and we GIVE.

Kosher on a Budget is challenging her fellow bloggers to raise the profile of this mitzvah, and with your help, I know that Houston will rise to the challenge.

Here's how it will work:  For every non-perishable food item that you donate between now and Ta'anit Esther (March 17), Houston Ima will donate 10 cents to Yad Sarah in Israel, up to $200.

Yad Sarah is an incredible organization in Israel that is dedicated to assisting homebound individuals to make life easier, serving the disabled, the elderly, and the sick, all provided free or at minimal cost by an enormous network of volunteers.  My aunt (z"l) was a beneficiary and the work they do is mindblowing.  Visit their website to get a feel of the services they provide.

Give as generously as your budget (or pantry) will allow, and leave a comment on this post with the number of items you donated AND leave a comment on the original Kosher on a Budget post.

In local grocery stores, we have a network of "red barrels" to help you donate to the Houston Food Bank.  Or, you can donate to your pantry or organization of your choice.

Thank you, Houston!