Serving in style

Posted

Five Towns cosmetics store provides beauty supplies to female soldiers

by Daniella Adler

Issue of August 1, 2008

Fay Feder, co-owner of Kiss and Makeup, a cosmetics store in the Five Towns, found a way to meld her interest in beauty supplies and her desire to show appreciation to female soldiers by joining with the One Israel Fund to collect donations to purchase cosmetics for both Israeli and American soldiers.

“When people think of soldiers, their initial reaction is to focus on the men,” said Scott M. Feltman, executive vice president of the fund. “We wanted to create a campaign specifically geared towards the women who equally give of their lives in service to their country.”

A day on an Israeli army base, as part of her daughter’s bat-mitzvah celebration, inspired Feder to take action. The One Israel Fund coordinated a trip for her family, during which she distributed some makeup, and the soldiers were ecstatic.

“They were so excited; it was incredible,” said Mark Prowisor, the director of security projects for the fund, who coordinated the trip.

The products give the female soldiers an opportunity to feel feminine, and show them that their courageous sacrifice, as well as their humanity, is recognized. These women, volunteering in the prime of their youth to serve their country, don’t always have the luxury of indulging in expensive makeup and beauty supplies.

Now there is a sign in the store that advertises the campaign, announcing that customers can purchase cosmetics at a 50 percent discount, and the One Israel Fund with take care of the shipping and distribution. The cosmetics can be purchased for either Israeli or American soldiers, since Feder wanted to show her allegiance to the U.S. soldiers fighting overseas as well.

The arrangement also allows for customer involvement; they get to choose the makeup they purchase.

“People who wouldn’t ordinarily shop in the store stop to buy things for the soldiers,” said Feder.

Each soldier will receive beauty supplies, selected and purchased by the store’s clientele.

“Some things have been collected, and it’s going to some of the army bases where there are a lot of women soldiers,” said Prowisor, who is in charge of the makeup’s receipt and distribution in Israel. “It’s just like [the delivery of donations to] the guys, but with a little bit of a twist.”

“Thanks to Fay Feder, Amy Friedman and all of the Kiss and Makeup clientele, this campaign has become a reality and we, at One Israel Fund, could not be happier to assist in Fay’s vision,” added Feltman.