Moscow’s Shaarei Tzedek Jewish welfare center distributed some 15,000 boxes of food to the city’s neediest Jews, going door to door to hand out packages to homebound individuals.

According to Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Shaye Deitsch, director of the center, the pre-Rosh Hashanah distribution was one of five such projects officials mount before the Jewish holidays. While the majority of the food was parceled out at the center, volunteers went to homebound clients’ residences to deliver the items and assure they had the necessary medicines and care.

Now the center has turned its attention to its annual winter distribution of warm clothing, which elderly individuals, single-parent and large families, and people with special needs look to in order to make it through the city’s harsh weather.

Staff member Rachel Levin also reported that Shaarei Tzedek’s SOS Program, which offers year-round financial assistance to defray the costs of surgery, routine medical treatments and basic furniture, has seen an increase in demand.

“Of course, the world [financial] crisis has influenced Moscow Jews,” said Levin. “We are trying to do our best to help them in overcoming difficulties.”