Purim idea to encourage achdus

[Rabbi Tal Zwecker]

I just read about this idea and thought to share it with you all:

>I have a great idea to encourage achdus.
>It really doesn't have to take that much time and the good waves that it might create are unimaginable.
>It's about opening hearts and I would love for you [as many people as possible] ?to get involved. It's the call of the day.?
>Each year my friend gives out Mishloach Manot to people in hospitals.? Her message: "You're important, you're not overlooked" rather "you're included in the festivities".
>I thought why not reach out to others who? might also?feel "not included" - namely our unaffiliated Jewish brothers and sisters.
>So last Purim I and three very excited children went around Beit Shemesh giving out Mishloach Manot to people that we don't know.
>The??reactions were special.
>?Last year on Purim...
>>An old man sitting on a bench was watching the cars pass by when suddenly a boy dressed as a clown? gave him a Mishloach Manot with a hearty, "Purim Sameach!"? The man came to life.
>>A soldier waiting for his bus?smiled when he was handed a wrapped package of goodies?with a big smile and another "Purim Sameach!" ?He was still waving as we drove off.
>>The 2 teenagers who received their Mishloach Manot seemed genuinely pleased?and might just feel differently about those "religious people".
>>These and many more were some of the positive reactions we received when we gave out Mishloach Manot to our fellow Jews from various walks of life in Beit Shemesh.
>This is a project that all of us can do:
>Take upon yourself to give out Mishloach Manot to people that you wouldn?t ordinarily connect with, who might be distant from the Torah?
>>Or simply donate?either completed ?Mishloachei Manot or money/goodies to make up mishloachei Manot?and we?ll deliver them for you on Purim. ?
>?The good that could come out of it is what Ahavas Yisroel and Achdus is all about.