Want to feed 800 people for Shabbat? Each week this daunting task is accomplished by an all-volunteer team at Darchei Tzion, a pantry and gemach (free-loan and lending station) located in Beit Shean.

Begun in 1995, the pantry receives more than 75 percent of its food from local caterers, residents and others, and operates on about $50,000 annually.

Funds we sent this past year were used to purchase food for chaggim (holidays) as well as Shabbat meals each week for 150 families and individuals.