Larry Freedman moved to the area in 1943, and has always been involved with the Jewish community here in Harrisburg. His involvement with Jewish Family Service has been more recent. He first started volunteering for the Kosher Meals on Wheels program three years ago.
Larry now volunteers three days a week delivering meals. “It’s been really rewarding. I like having that personal contact, I bring my grandchildren in the summertime, so they’ve had a little taste of that. And it gives me something fulfilling to do on a regular basis.”
Through KMOW, Larry began to see how JFS’ services provided a needed impact on specific portions of the community. “They serve the community in many ways, and in needed ways. Decades ago, there wasn’t an organization like that and more people fell through the cracks.” After three years as a volunteer, Larry, along with his wife, Lanie, decided to contribute in a new way: through the establishment of the Larry and Lanie Freedman JFS Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA.
“I thought that with a donation, maybe we could help with whatever they need down the road. It’s there at their discretion. If they need something, they can withdraw from the fund. It’s based on need. If these funds can help them achieve, that would be great.”
Larry’s willingness to allow JFS’ discretion in using the funds was evidenced when he agreed to allow JFS to earmark ¼ of the full donation to be used right off the bat to help support a transition in senior services to a more clinical model. “Larry and Lanie’s gift exemplifies the emphasis that the Jewish tradition places on ‘hadar zekainim,’ honoring our oldest community members,” says JFS Executive Director Barry Stein. “Larry’s generosity comes not only out of a deep sense of commitment, but because of the satisfaction he derives from helping others.”
