Lida was among the first cities to found a division of the organisation   “ TOZ “ for the purpose of safeguarding the state of health of the Jewish population.

The founders were (fem.) Dr. Ogushewitch, Dr. Zartzin, and Mr. Peresetzki – Later on Yablonski, Rudi and others were elected onto the committee.

The organization commenced operations by opening a consultancy service for breast-fed children, in one of the houses of the Jewish hospital. Dr. Ogushewitch was the consultant for “ Drop of milk “ and Miz Sonya Verskaye was the first social (sister) worker as well as the secretary. Later on as the scope of work increased, my sister Gite Khasman (later Gite Nyeprovska) was employed as social worker, and after that my sister Miriam Khasman and myself till my departure for Eretz Israel in the year 1938.

The main purpose of the “ Drop of milk “ was to instruct young mothers how to care for and bring up the new –born children. At first only the mothers from the poorer section of the population would attend  - They would receive garments as well as medication and other products for the breast-fed children. But within a short space of time the activities (services) of  “ TOZ “ expanded rapidly and the mothers and children from all sections of the population frequented the  “Drop of milk “  “ TOZ “ also branched out in the field of prophylactic work.

The activities of  “TOZ” were growing apace, and in time they hired large premises – At first from Mr. Levinson, then from Mr. Tziderowitch and lastly from Mr. Frenkel in Polkovske street. A Dental practice for the treatment of school children was opened where they were treated free of charge or only a token payment.

A milk kitchen was opened where they prepared bottles of food to feed the breast fed children and every working mother, or those who couldn’t afford it, would receive – each morning, prepared bottles for the entire day.

‘TOZ’ had ties with all the school administrators wherever Jewish children were taught.
Doctors from Toz examined the children and the weaker ones were sent to vacation camps.
They also distributed cod liver oil and other medicinal preparations.  They also had a food program
Where the school children, would receive on a daily basis, a bulke with milk or cocoa.  During holiday months Toz organised a summer camp.  At first they used to hire rooms, afterwards Toz constructed their own buildings.  The poor children  would  take part in social activities till 4 – 5 in the afternoon. They would enjoy the outdoors and fresh air.  They were supervised by qualified teachers and educators.

In Novoyelna  ‘TOZ’ built a double storey building in the middle of a pine forest. At this camp the children would socialise and enjoy themselves for a whole month far from city life. It was one of the most beautiful places where the poor children could enjoy themselves, thanks to the work of ‘TOZ’ .

‘TOZ’ became immensely popular and the majority of the population from all walks of life  - mothers, breast fed children, pregnant women, school children, rich or poor all enjoyed the benefits of the various branches and services offered.

It was a place where all sections of the population could meet and mingle  - ‘TOZ’ truly became a major social factor.