If you are like the vast majority of Lakewood, you have most likely relied on the assistance of Chaveirim, the unique organization established to help the Lakewood community when confronted with non-medical emergencies. Their services include but are not limited to, house and car lockouts, out-of-gas calls, boosts, flat tires, animal calls, flooding, and a Shabbos Host Program. They have portable heaters available for cold-weather emergencies and generators for emergency power situations. Chaveirim is comprised of over 50 volunteers who are ready to help a friend in need.

Although not everyone can be an active member of this one-of-a-kind organization, everyone can take part by helping to defray the costs of its operation. While most of their services are free of charge, Chaveirim incurs considerable expenses. Their budget includes communication equipment and dispatch service, quality equipment for each member, safety equipment, as well as maintenance costs.

“To date, we average over 50 calls a day for a total of over 120,000 calls since Chaveirim’s inception”, Chaveirim says. “With the kehilla’s obvious growth comes the need to recruit additional volunteers and purchase new equipment for existing volunteers at the exorbitant sum of roughly $2,000 per member.”

“We turn to you, dear friend, to support this special Chesed organization to benefit the entire kehilla. Please send your generous, tax-deductible contribution to Chaveirim Volunteer Services and acquire a share in Olam Haba by promoting Ahavas Chesed in this world.”

All contributions $36 and above will be entered into a raffle for a Gevril woman’s watch (valued at about $3,500). The drawing will be held at 9:00 PM tonight.

To enter the raffle, call 732-358-6533.

(Watch shown is similar to the item being raffled).