Not everyone was lucky enough to have Christmas Day off of work, but thanks to one local Jewish group some were able to spend time with family and friends.
B'nai B'rith rounded up more than 20 members to volunteer at gift shops and information desks at several Valley hospitals so the Christian volunteers could have the day off.
The group has been volunteering on Christmas Day since 1972. Thirty-seven years ago, only a few members volunteered to work on Christmas Day.
Since then many more have volunteered allowing them to expand to four more hospitals, including St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown and Saint Joseph Health Center in Warren.
Volunteer organizer Denise Altman said the members are happy to donate their time.
“They are happy to help out our Christian brothers and sisters in the spirit of the season because we would like them to be home with their families,” Altman said.
Although B'nai B'rith has been volunteering on Christmas for 37 years, this is the first year they went to St. Elizabeth in Boardman. They said if they get enough volunteers, they hope to expand even further next year.
