(PHOTO LINK AT END OF ARTICLE) There was a Melava Malka held last night, Motzei Shabbos Parshas Bireishis, in appreciation of the dedicated volunteers of the Chaveirim�Organization from Boro Park, Williamsburg, Flatbush and the Catskills. The event was held Williamsburg;s Continental Hall, and was well attended by members of the NYPD – who use Chaverim almost daily.

Founded by R’ Aaron Yitzchok Cohen�and a group of concerned individuals immediately after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Chaveirim was launched�to provide non-emergency, volunteer aid that would be within the capacity of a grass roots organization. Working to assist motorists stranded due to minor hurdles, such as car lockouts, flat tires or running out of gas, as well as helping the elderly & handicapped in our community with their daily needs, the Chaveirim hotline has been handling hundreds of calls daily, with an astonishing 94,000 calls logged to this date.

Chaveirim encompasses a network of 282 volunteers, equipped with an advanced dispatch and communication system, and is constantly expanding to new communities.� Chaveirim operate in the areas of North and South Brooklyn, New York City, and the Catskills during the summer weeks.� New recruits are screened and background checked to ensure their competency.� This is followed by an extensive training course, which includes live presentations, to lay emphasis on efficiency and professionalism.� Equipment is then distributed to the volunteers to gear them up for the task.

VIDEO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN / Photos teken by Hillel Engel)