Mishloach Manot - As A Fundraiser

As A Fundraiser

The sending of mishloach manot has also evolved into a fundraising device by many Jewish organizations and institutions. Synagogues, Jewish schools and youth organizations run "Mishloach Manot Fundraisers" which coordinate the sending of food baskets to their various members, accompanied by a card listing the names of other members who contributed toward the gift. Each member submits a list of the names he wishes to send to, along with a set fee to the organization for each name, thus netting the organization a small profit. In this way, an individual can fulfill his social obligations to many fellow members without having to buy, wrap and deliver the food gift personally.

Other charitable groups collect outright donations and, in return, send the donor cards which he can send to his own recipients. A $10 donor might receive three cards, while a $20 donor receives six, etc. Donors sign and mail the pre-printed cards, which state, "In lieu of mishloach manot, a donation has been made in your name to such-and-such organization." While such a donation does not qualify as fulfillment of the mitzvah of mishloach manot, it is used by many people as a solution to the challenge of having to give food baskets to all the people they know.