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Who do you call?

You are running late, about to drive to work, when you suddenly realize that the keys are locked in your car.

As the gas light on the dashboard glows, you desperately search for the closest gas station, but unfortunately don’t make it.

The pothole you hit not only knocked you around in your seat, but also knocked all the air out of your tire.

Who do you call? Chaverim of the Five Towns and Rockaways.

Chaverim is a 100% volunteer organization.It was created to aid people with minor car problems, and has grown to help people in many tough situations. Chaverim responds to typical calls including: keys locked inside vehicles, flat tires, cars not starting or out-of-gas, as well as some unconventional emergencies such as homeowners being locked out of their house or pulling a car out of the sand.

Simply put, Chaverim is a 24/6 organization. All members offer their time and services because they care and want to help a neighbor in need. No compensation, simply pure chesed.

When calling Chaverim, the first line of help is offered by one of more than 50 volunteer dispatchers. A detailed message is sent out to all of the responders to find who is the closest and most conveniently available. At times, an additional volunteer is needed for backup assistance, and in urgent cases, such as a child locked in a car, all available members drop what they are doing and run to help as quickly as possible.

Members of Chaverim are not professional mechanics or locksmiths. We are your neighbors and your friends. We are college students, storeowners, businessmen, yeshiva bochurim and the like. The only criteria for joining Chaverim is to not be afraid of getting some grease or dirt on your hands, and a great desire to give aid to others in need.

2020 was a very busy and successful year for Chaverim.

Even through Covid-19 we answered the call, wearing masks and gloves, to get our callers back on the road and now we need YOU

We received over 3,800 calls (a record for Chaverim), with over 90% of the calls being responded to in five minutes or less.

In order to better serve you, we need to cover our budget and get new equipment.

As with any volunteer service, there are expenses that must be met. Equipment for members and software that is used for dispatching are the main operating costs.

Chaverim has been very fortunate this year to have had some support from Cross River Bank, Executive Cleaners, Five Towns Mini Golf, Westwood Realty, Tech613, Five Town Tire as well as a few other local organizations. Nevertheless, the majority of the much needed funding must still come from local contributions. Monies are needed to enable the organization to continue successfully serving our community, and hopefully continue to expand.

CHAVERIM - The name says it all. Just like you would not hesitate to call a friend, do not hesitate to call Chaverim, your friends, when you need assistance.

All that we ask is that you help support us so that we can continue to help you in your time of need.

Chaverim is recognized by both the New York and Nassau County Police Departments.

We also run approximately six "Defensive Driving Class" programs, and two or three car-seat safety inspection events throughout the year.

To contact Chaverim:

call 718-337-1800

visit www.chaverim5T.org,

email info@chaverim5t.org

or send correspondence to

PO Box 701,

Lawrence, NY 11559

CHAVERIM is a 501c3 100% volunteer organization.