Mizpah thanks area for generosity

On behalf of Mizpah Congregation, thanks to Chattanooga area residents who assisted us in helping airport workers during the recent partial federal shutdown. Many made donations or brought gift cards for us to distribute. Other organizations and individuals adopted the idea to multiply many times what was given.

The emotional support was just as important. As I gave gift cards at the airport, I was repeatedly told how much the outpouring of caring meant.

In addition to the TSA officers and FAA workers at the airport, we were able to assist National Park Service workers and members of our local Coast Guard.

I would like to thank Rabbi Craig Lewis, whose sermon based on Leviticus about how wrong it was to withhold a worker’s wages stimulated me to undertake this project, and TSA officials, who guided me through the logistics of developing it.

Thanks also to Sonia Young, the Purple Lady, who assisted in obtaining media coverage, and to the local media. The effort also was mentioned on NPR Weekend Edition, and groups in other cities were moved to do the same thing.

I am proud of our Chattanooga community. We are truly “Nooga Strong.”