PRESS RELEASE: September 25, 2025
Contact: Hana Cowart
Gulf Coast JFCS Director of Corporate and Community Engagement
media@gcjfcs.org
727-503-7856
12-Year-Old’s Service Project Inspires Community Collaboration with Gulf Coast JFCS, Fortifying Support for Behavioral Health Services
In a display of compassion and community spirit, 12-year-old Onyx (Hannah) Weintraub rallied neighbors, community, and friends from across the country this summer in a service project filling “Totes of Hope” to benefit CALL and The Hub, behavioral health services programs under Gulf Coast JFCS. The initiative, inspired by a Pinterest post, has not only delivered vital supplies to those unhoused or experiencing a behavioral health crisis, but also demonstrated the power of youth leadership and collective action.
Onyx’s journey began with a simple question: “How can I help?”
Supported by their parents, Rabbi Philip and Rebecca Weintraub, Onyx sought out a local opportunity to make a difference. They chose to integrate the project into their B’Mitzvah, an important milestone in the Jewish faith, marking the transition to adulthood and responsibility.
Onyx’s desire was not only to collect items but also to learn firsthand how their actions could help those experiencing homelessness and behavioral health needs in their own neighborhood—close to home, school, and synagogue.
A video created and distributed through the Weintraub parents’ social media channels quickly garnered attention, collecting an impressive 1,700+ views and sparking a wave of support. This creative outreach resulted in the assembly of 36 Totes of Hope and a dozen boxes — all filled with all-weather gear, snacks, menstrual and hygiene supplies, and all packed in the family’s living room before being delivered to CALL’s supply area.
Gulf Coast JFCS staff from CALL and The Hub welcomed Onyx and the Weintraub family with a tour of their programs, ensuring the behavioral health programs remain accessible to residents in St. Petersburg, and the message that every act of kindness makes a difference.
Through enthusiastic community support, Onyx was shown that asking for help is not only acceptable but encouraged, and that the power of collective action can far exceed expectations.
In a poignant moment during the donation delivery, Rabbi Weintraub sounded the shofar for the staff present. This stirring call marked the month of Elul and the project’s success, but also served as a reminder to all to remain present and attentive to the needs of others.
To make a donation in support of Totes of Hope, please visit https://gulfcoastjfcs.org/donations/donate-now/ and mark “Totes of Hope” in the comments section.
For more information about Gulf Coast JFCS Behavioral Health Services programs and how to support or organize similar service projects, please contact Hana Cowart, Director of Corporate and Community Engagement, at 727-479-1800, via email at gulfcoastinfo@gcjfcs.org or visit https://gulfcoastjfcs.org/contact-us.
ABOUT GULF COAST JFCS:
Protecting the vulnerable, strengthening families, and empowering individuals throughout the state of Florida since 1974, Gulf Coast JFCS helps the most vulnerable people throughout our community, from babies to seniors, to find safety, comfort, and a path toward a fulfilling life. To help as many people as compassionately and comprehensively as possible through complex life challenges, Gulf Coast JFCS programs span a broad human service spectrum reaching more than 30,000 people annually throughout Tampa Bay and beyond. Our programs include career development, behavioral health services, family support, and more. The outcome – lives uplifted! Additional information is available at www.GulfCoastJFCS.org
