Thanks to a local philanthropist, clients of Fresh Connect received an unexpected gift of $100 each during a food distribution event at the Bristol Township Municipal Complex, writes Jeff Werner for The Patch.

The special gift was provided by the Gene and Marlene Epstein Foundation, which gave away a total of $25,000 during the event.

“Gene is a gift to our community,” said Erin Lukoss, the executive director of Bucks County Opportunity Council. “It’s funny because people always say he’s the Jewish Santa Claus. He says he just wants to give. He just wants to help people.”

Lukoss handed out the money in Epstein’s absence as he had to sit out this year’s giveaway due to health issues.

“I know it’s hard for him not to be here today,” she said. “But I know he’s here in spirit.”

The money was given out inside holiday greeting cards from the foundation. To fund this year’s giveaway, Epstein sold one of his prized antique cars.

“It’s more important that the people have a little buffer as opposed to me driving an antique car,” he said.

Read more about Bristol’s Fresh Connect clients in The Patch.

Ruth Williams House at the Gene & Marlene Epstein Building Grand Opening | Gene Epstein