Jan and Marc Reisman started delivering Christmas Day Meals in the early '90s. Randa Rosenblum, a longtime MIFA volunteer, invited them, “and the rest is history!”
A holiday tradition at MIFA since 1984, Christmas Day Meals allows volunteers to deliver special holiday meals—along with gifts and some holiday cheer—to senior Meals on Wheels recipients across the community.
“It is fun seeing people we know who also volunteer year after year," the Reismans said. "And, meeting the recipients on Christmas Day is always heartwarming. Sometimes they have a houseful of family visiting and we get to wish all of them a Merry Christmas. Sadly, however, many of the people we meet each year do not have other visitors on Christmas, and we become the only smiling faces they see that day.”
When asked who they bring with them, the Reismans shared, “Our children grew up delivering MIFA meals. They LOVED meeting new friends on our routes. They are adults now, and both say that delivering meals on Christmas Day is among their fondest memories of growing up in Memphis.”
"Delivering meals on Christmas was one of his most special Jewish experiences," their oldest son, a newly ordained rabbi, recently told a group at a religious service. "We know that meals are being delivered throughout the year, but taking a route or two on Christmas Day allows those volunteers who are celebrating the holiday at that time an opportunity to be with their families."
Jan and Marc absolutely love delivering meals and gifts. They said, “We are so grateful to MIFA for what it does and for giving us an opportunity to work with its staff and other volunteers. We adore everyone we have met at MIFA, but we owe a special thank you to Charlie Nelson (pictured), who has inspired us and so many volunteers over the years!”
This time around the Reismans would like to invite you to join us for Christmas Day Meals. “MIFA is the heart of Memphis, and each of us should do something to support the wonderful work it does," they said. Delivering meals on Christmas Day is just one way to get involved, and it happens to be a very enjoyable way to do so. So, grab a route early because they do get taken!”
Join us on Christmas morning to help deliver meals and gifts to 1,100 area seniors. This year's event will feature outdoor meal pick-up and other COVID safety measures. Space is limited; sign up today. Contact Kristi Estes at kestes@mifa.org or (901) 529-4521.