The Eighth Night Project, a new program that emphasizes the importance of designating at least one night of Hanukkah as a time to think about giving to others, is being launched in St. Louis this year. Collection bins will be in place at the Office Depot in Heritage Place, 12581 Olive Boulevard in Creve Coeur, on Dec. 4 and at participating preschools throughout the year for parents and kids to donate gifts to needy children.  

The project is the result of a new collaborative effort between PJ Library, a family engagement program that distributes free Jewish books and music, Office Depot, and National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Section. 

“PJ Library works to bring Jewish values to life for children,” says Jennifer Baer Lotsoff, program coordinator of PJ Library. “The Eighth Night Project gives kids a tangible way to give back at a time when we want to bring light into the larger community.”

The NCJW Back-to-School Store enables economically disadvantaged children to “shop” for brand-new clothing, sneakers and school supplies in a one-day-only “store,” as well as throughout the year in their Kids Community Closets,set up in nine locations. 

The PJ Library program offers free, high-quality Jewish books and music each month to St. Louis-area children ages 6 months to 7 years.  Each book comes with a resource guide to help Jewish and non-Jewish parents and caregivers share the experience.  There is no cost to participate in PJ Library, and families can sign up online at www.pjlibrary.org. For more information, contact Jennifer Baer Lotsoff at [email protected] or 314-442-3867.