(By Shabsie Saphirstein, member, Chaverim of Queens)

Now in its thirteenth consecutive year operating an anti-drinking and driving campaign, Chaverim of Queens is spreading awareness and asking the community to please be safe over Purim.

We are unfortunately aware of the excessive drinking that takes place within our communities during the joyous holiday. This year’s celebrations will once again see congregations and institutions rejoicing and unifying in-person. Chaverim stands ready to assist offering its transport services as necessary. While it is almost impossible to prevent people from partaking in such behavior, there is a solution to keep friends and family safe.

The Chaverim of Queens Purim “Don’t Drink and Drive campaign,” which pioneered Purim of 2009, was founded to prevent the likelihood that someone will be tempted to drive while under the influence on this festive day. To prevent those who may be unfit to drive on Purim, Chaverim has “Volunteer Designated Drivers” available in Queens throughout Purim. This service can be requested by calling the Chaverim’s 24-hour hotline number: 718-441-0505. “The hot line number should be publicized and shared,” said Chaverim co-founder Avigdor Cyperstein. “The community can enjoy Purim knowing that we are just a phone call away. As always we remain on hand to respond calls including car troubles like lockouts, flat tires, boosts, among others, and home lockouts.”

The reality is that even one drink may impair your driving capabilities, even if you believe you are able to drive. Do not suffer the consequences of cloudy judgement. If you are an adult in the company of minors, act responsible when handling alcohol. Children are not accustomed to drinking, and the smallest amount consumed may result in unforeseen illness.

The Chaverim of Queens Purim “Don’t Drink & Drive” program is generously sponsored by Outsource USA, Crypnologic.com, PEYD, Kamin Health, Elite Care, Mobile Vascular Physicians, and The Newman Foundation. It is donations like these that have a deep lasting impact.

While we hope that no one needs our unique service, please save our hotline number as a phone contact, as the life you save may very well be your own! May we all be blessed with a happy, healthy, and most of all, safe Purim!

Chaverim is seeking and recruiting additional volunteers – for Purim as well as year-round. Please contact Chaverim for more information regarding dedication and sponsorship opportunities at [email protected].

Chaverim of Queens, founded in memory of world-renowned philanthropist, Mr. Jack Friedman, a”h, started with just ten volunteers. That was 14 years ago when calls were dispatched to volunteers via beepers. Today, Chaverim of Queens has over 100 volunteers who respond to calls rapidly via an APP. The acts of chesed that the volunteers of Chaverim do daily, does not go unnoticed by those who have benefited from the assistance provided. The resilience of our community post-COVID has been remarkable and the sense on comrade is noteworthy.

Donations accepted online at ChaverimOfQueens.org/Donate. Chaverim of Queens is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.