Fresh on the heels of December’s highly successful personal care items collection for CAST, the four shul women behind the project have organized as the Tikkun Olam Initiative, and are about to launch the next chapter of giving on behalf of our shul.

“Put a Chicken in Every Pot” is the initiative for February and March. CAST has identified chickens as a major need during winter’s cold months, and the women have responded, purchasing 64 whole chickens so far, thanks to a generous donation from a shul member, who applauded what the women had done with the personal care collection.

Throughout the two months, the foursome will be accepting donations to purchase chickens. Each donation of $18 will purchase three chickens and, for your generosity, your name will be entered into a monthly raffle for a dozen organic eggs delivered to your door.

Here’s how you can help: Write a check for $18 (or whatever amount you care to donate) to Congregation Tifereth Israel, with Tikkun Olam written on the memo line. Send your check to CTI, P.O. Box 659, Greenport, NY, 11944. Or, to pay by credit card, visit the shul’s website (www.tiferethisraelgreenport.org), click on the “Donate” tab at the top of the home page, scroll down to Tikkun Olam, fill out the form, and submit.

You may remember that in 1928, Herbert Hoover used “a chicken in every pot” as a campaign slogan, and he was elected President of the United States, defeating New York Governor Al Smith. If Hoover could accomplish that with his “chicken in the pot” slogan, imagine what the Tikkun Olam Initiative could do for needy families in our neighborhood with your donation.

CAST (Community Action Southold Town) is a local charity supported by our shul. The four women behind the new Tikkun Olam Initiative are Veronica Kaliski, Susan Rosenstreich, Madelyn Rothman and Cookie Slade.