The Soapbox Project champions charity without spending a dime.
By RACHEL MYERSONTaking part at WeWork(photo credit: SOAPBOX PROJECT)
Judy Nisman and Janet Agassi, identical twins, are heading one of Israel’s most ingenious charity ventures: The Soapbox Project.Encouraging people to donate complimentary toiletries from hotel stays to Israel’s needy. This is giving without reaching for your wallet.The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) 2016 report showed that 21% of Israel’s population – more than 1.7 million people – live under the poverty line, ranking Israel as the country with the highest rate of poverty amongst its members.According to a UN Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) report released this year ranking the levels of inequality amongst children in the world’s 41 most developed countries, Israel’s rates are amongst the highest. Some 27.5% of children are said to live below the poverty line, taking four main factors into consideration: income, education, health and life satisfaction.Families living in such conditions have little money for food, let alone other basic commodities, like hygiene products, which are notoriously expensive here. The 2015 study by market researchers Nielsen highlighted this issue when ranking Israel the third most expensive country in regard to food, household items and toiletries, yet 13th regarding wages.Agassi, who came to Israel 32 years ago from the US, was a member of Lions Clubs International, a volunteer organization concentrating on projects for the needy. She received a call from the Herzliya Municipality 10 years ago; many girls starting high school were visiting school secretaries asking for sanitary products that were not available at home. She turned to the social media for assistance. “That’s how it all started.”Someone suggested contacting hi-tech companies: “Hi-tech workers travel a lot. What do they do with the free toiletries in hotel rooms? Why don’t you contact companies and ask if they would be willing to put a box in their lobby in which to donate these toiletries to the needy?” Agassi climbed atop the soapbox, encouraged people to join her venture, and the Soapbox Project began. Since her sister came to Israel four years ago, the pair have run the project together in their spare time.Donations consist of “the things that make you feel good about yourself” – toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, sanitary products.The twins arrange everything, bringing a big box for donations and flyers to inform employees about the project. When the box fills up, they come to collect the contents.“It’s a win-win for everyone; it’s great for companies to say that they are involved, and with no effort. A lot of Israelis are very strapped [for cash], yet still want to contribute to society. What better way to do it?” Donations are sent to combat soldiers, “a cause close to both our hearts,” to battered women’s shelters and immigrants, and the aim is to expand to as many groups as possible that need their help – particularly Holocaust survivors, notoriously amongst the neediest groups in Israel.Participants include WeWork, the Diesenhaus tour group and Eric Cohen Books.“These days, people know that doing good is good business.” Nisman and Agassi are aiming big. “We are looking to grow this huge, obviously,” through partnering up with kibbutzim and synagogues.They are willing to expend significant effort for anyone wishing to be involved, with some of their charismatic chatter thrown in, making them a delight to be around.With these ladies, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Years ago, when a youth group from Connecticut wanted to contribute to the Soapbox Project, they came to Israel with an extra suitcase.“An old friend from Ohio [heard about the project and] said, ‘Oh my God! My mother, who is 80 years old, has been collecting such toiletries for years!’” The products were swiftly taken off her hands.Agassi relays a saying she and her sister like by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed they are the only ones that can.” Both siblings give a firm nod of approval.To get involved with the Soapbox Project, contact Judy Nisman at judy.nisman@ gmail.com or Janet Agassi at janetagassi@gmail.com.
Related Tagstzedakaunicef and israel
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