As the winter holidays approach, Jewish Family Services Richmond and the Weinstein JCC are preparing to light up Richmond once again with Lights of Love, a cherished Hanukkah tradition that has been bringing warmth and joy to the community since 2019.

Each year, paper flames displayed at the JCC represent gift requests from members of the community who could use extra support: children in foster care, older adults, home-care clients, and participants in JFS Senior Engagement programs. (See photo above from a previous year)

This year, JFS is inviting the Richmond community to join in the effort to make the holidays brighter for those in need. Volunteers will have the opportunity to sponsor a flame, attend wrapping parties and help deliver gifts, continuing a tradition of generosity and connection that has grown steadily over the past several years. The display will go up Nov. 3, giving those who are interested their first chance to help someone in need.

Past events have shown the power of this community effort. In 2024, volunteers came together to fulfill 220 gift requests, with support from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, the Federation’s Pearl Society and Rudlin Torah Academy Hebrew Day School, ensuring that every flame represented a meaningful gift. In addition, partnerships with organizations such as the Richmond Area Bicyclists Association brought extra joy, including 28 bikes and helmets for children in local neighborhoods and foster care.

The upcoming season promises to be just as impactful, with volunteers bringing holiday warmth to wrap gifts and deliver them to families across Richmond. Generous community members, board members and partner organizations continue to provide critical support, helping Lights of Love reach more people each year.

For those looking to participate, JFS offers several ways to get involved. You can buy gifts for a person listed on a flame, volunteer at wrapping events or join in the delivery efforts. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to the tradition of caring and connection that defines Lights of Love. If you opt to select a flame, please ensure all gifts are unwrapped and delivered to the JCC by Dec. 13.

By continuing to light the flames of generosity, JFS and the JCC remind the community that the holidays are about more than gifts. They are about building bonds, sharing joy and ensuring that everyone feels seen and supported.

Lights of Love proves that even a single flame, when joined by the community, can shine brightly across Richmond.

You can see more JFS articles in the Community section.

To reach out to JFS for other programs or information, see the contact information below.