Who we are
Across London, Manchester and Israel we create givers. We know that being kind or helping others isn’t something that just happens automatically. It is a mindset that needs to be taught, nurtured and encouraged, so that present and future generations are imbued with this core tenet of Judaism.
It’s what we give to others, more than what we get from others, which makes for a meaningful and happy life.
Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
We are immensely grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers and generous supporters; through you, we are able to inspire and enable lifelong giving, creating a community that is engaged, supported and empowered by the gift of giving. Thank you for all that your involvement allows us to achieve.
History of GIFT
MBE at Windsor Castle
MBE at Windsor Castle Michelle Barnett, GIFT’s Founding Director, is awarded an MBE at Windsor Castle by King Charles III for her work in supporting vulnerable people during Covid-19.
Giving Kitchen launch
MBE at Windsor Castle Michelle Barnett, GIFT’s Founding Director, is awarded an MBE at Windsor Castle by King Charles III for her work in supporting vulnerable people during Covid-19.
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20252025
Completed an internal impact assessment, developed a strategy and implemented findings of the impact report. Launched our first children's giving book.
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20242024
GIFT continues enabling and inspiring by engaging over 32,000 volunteers, inspiring students in giving, hosting community events, preparing over 38,000 hot meals and distributing 750,000 food parcels.
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20202020
COVID-19 Response GIFT launched its urgent response to the COVID-19 pandemic, garnering the involvement of over 1,200 new volunteers to support those hit hardest.
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20192019
R' Sandor Milun was appointed as GIFT's Managing Director since which time he has facilitated GIFT's significant growth.
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2017
2017
GIFT ran the first Supermarket Challenge, an immersive experience which seeks to grow awareness of food poverty.
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2013
2013
GIFT formed its very first formal educational team. Over 10,000 sessions have since been delivered.
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2011
2011
GIFT moved into the new Giving Hub in North West London. Since then, we have hosted over 3,500 packing sessions.
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2008
2008
The GIFT Box project was established to encourage shoppers to purchase and donate additional items to those in need. Since then, we have distributed over 500,000 essential food parcels.
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2003
2003
GIFT was founded by R' Naftali Schiff at the kitchen table of Michelle Barnett. Since then, we have worked with and inspired over 30,000 volunteers across the country.
Meet the Team
How we help
Our services remain anonymous, confidential, and GIFT staff will be sensitive to your situation. Food parcel deliveries remain anonymous, volunteers do not know names of recipients when delivering food parcels and cooked meals.
If you have any concerns about confidentiality, please contact our family liaison officer for a private conversation.
Where you can find GIFT services
GIFT H.Q. is based at our Hendon office and houses the GIFT London’s education and volunteer teams and the small yet highly productive operations team.
Our London office can help you with the following:
- refer a family who are in need of volunteer support
- receive a food package or tell us about a change of details
- check when the next packathon is and what time it starts
- book in B’nei Mitzvah activities
- make a donation
- make an enquiry about anything else
To find out more information, please give us a call or email us.
Manchester Office
Our Manchester office can help you with the following:
- refer a family who are in need of volunteer support
- receive a food package or tell us about a change of details
- book in B’nei Mitzvah activities
- make a donation
- make an enquiry about anything else
To find out more information, please give us a call or email us.
Israel Hub
Our Israel office can help you with the following:
- receive a food package
- book in B’nei Mitzvah activities
- make a donation
- make an enquiry about anything else
To find out more information, please give us a call or email us.
Food Bank
For well over a decade, GIFT has been helping struggling families with weekly food packages designed to help supplement their weekly shopping.
We provide households with a weekly kosher food parcel containing some of the following:
- non-perishable foods
- bread, challah and baked goods
- fruit & vegetables
- household items
- toiletries
- chickens*
Helping Hand
We can arrange volunteers to support:
- single parents
- parents with new borns
- parents with children with special needs
- parents with children who have disabilities
- parents who need extra help on Shabbos and other times of the week
- the elderly
Care-nection
We organise volunteers to visit care homes where they can:
- schmooze, play games and read aloud to residents
- bring a smile and some cheer
- sing, tell stories and dance
Giving Kitchen
- Freshly cooked nutritious meals delivered directly to your home
- Recipient’s name remains anonymous Delivery possible in all areas of London
- Delivery possible in all areas of London
Befriending
- Befriending an elderly/vulnerable person
- Virtual or in person opportunities available
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