- Legacy Giving Stories
Max and Jacob’s Toy and Food Fund helps to bring joy and a sense of being welcomed into a caring community to Russian emigre families new to the Bay Area.
Max and Jacob’s Toy and Food Fund is a joint effort of Marin-based Marion Weinreb, the child of Holocaust survivors and a consultant for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, and her two sons. Marion, a firm believer in “giving back,” does this in a variety of ways, including through her named continuity funds at JFCS.
As one might guess from its name, Max and Jacob’s Toy and Food Fund is rather unique. Originally established in 1998 by Marion’s then-four-year-old son, Max Steven (with help from his mom), the name was modified a year and a half later when Jacob Sergey joined the family. Marion wanted to instill in both youngsters the importance of tzedakah and tikkun olam. Because the boys knew beyond a doubt that food and toys—most especially toys—are essential to one’s well-being, their fund makes it possible for other young people new to the community and the American culture to share equally in this special kind of joyful experience.
When asked in 1998 why he wanted to create this fund Max noted, “When I give presents, I get happy.” Every year Max, Jacob, and Marion have indeed added a lot of unexpected happiness to the lives of Russian youngsters.
Shared from the Heart
Here is $$ to help children. Love, Max—July 1998
If you would like to start a Named Endowment Fund at JFCS, please contact [email protected] or 415-449-3858.