Charity Box

The Hebrew word for charity is tzedakah, and the tzedakah box is one that Jewish children pass around in class or keep at home to add contributions throughout the year. When the box is full, let your child help choose the charity to which the money goes.

Charity begins at home.

• Small empty cardboard carton, such as a half-and-half or orange-juice carton
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Markers, crayons, and other decorative items
• Double-stick tape
• Thick white crafts glue
• Paper punch
• Ribbon scraps
• Star of David or other stickers (optional)

1. Carefully open out the carton top and wash and dry carton thoroughly. 2. Cut construction paper to fit around the carton, allowing for a slight overlap at the beginning and end. Wrap the paper around the carton and mark the corners, then remove the paper and fold it along these lines. 3. Using markers or crayons, decorate the paper to resemble a temple, home, or other building. Tape and glue the paper around the carton. Cut a slit in one side for inserting coins. 4. Fold the carton top closed and punch two holes through the top flange. Run ribbon through the holes and tie the carton closed. Add stickers or other decorations.