It is one thing to see a need in the neighborhood, but it is another to step up and meet it. After this past winter’s snowstorms brought a record number of calls for help – from frozen locks to cars stuck in drifts – Chaverim of Queens & Great Neck knew it was time to expand its team. The response to its recent call for volunteers was immediate, leading to the successful onboarding of 15 new members this past week.
The training took place in the parking lot of the Bnos Malka Academy, and the energy was focused from the start. Above all, this expansion was a tribute to the memory of Jack Friedman, whose long-standing commitment to the community continues to inspire the organization’s growth. Under the glow of portable work lights, the new recruits spent the evening mastering the practical side of roadside assistance. They practiced everything from safe jacking and tire changes to handling mechanical issues in the dark.
A notable sight throughout the evening was the variety of gear on display; apparel from the Flatbush and Staten Island divisions was seen alongside Queens attire. It served as a clear reminder that while these volunteers serve local streets, they are part of a massive, interconnected regional network. This brotherhood allows different chapters to share the resources and expertise needed to keep the entire tri-state area moving. With 15 more responders now ready to hit the streets, Chaverim is much better equipped to handle the high volume of calls coming in. It is a significant boost for the neighborhood, providing reassurance that when someone is stuck, help arrives quickly. Whether you are facing a flat tire on a rainy night or a lockout in the freezing cold, b’ezras Hashem, these volunteers are ready to help at 718-441-0505.
