Purim: The holiday of Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire from the wicked plan of Haman, who wished to destroy the Jewish Nation in a single day. (More here)

Matanot Le'evyonim: This is a custom to distribute charity or gifts to the needy on Purim day. (More here)

Mishloach Manot: On Purim, observers exchange gift baskets filled with food with friends and family. (More here)

About JCCGCI:

Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is a community-based organization with a citywide scope, providing a wide-spectrum of senior citizen, vocational, educational, crime-reduction, community revitalization and related services benefiting all segments of the population. JCCGCI is also a technical assistance provider, offering capacity building services to nonprofits in all five boroughs through its NonProfit HelpDesk division (www.nphd.org). With 40 program sites throughout New York City staffed by over 400 social service professionals, JCCGCI assists an average of upwards of 2,500 needy individuals and families each day.