Bikur Cholim Volunteers Gather for Appreciation Event

By Danit Shusterman

On Sunday evening, Ohr l’TubShvat, a room full of women, many of whom were meeting for the first time, gathered together for a Volunteer appreciation evening for Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights.

Catered by Chani Greenbaum Events, the candle lit room was the perfect setting to honor and thank these amazing women who give so much and so graciously. From the beautiful cheese charcuterie boards, the seasonal fresh fruits and vegetable platters, hot soups and warmed wine and apple cider followed by gorgeous desserts, Chani’s personal touch made this event all the more beautiful.

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights is a volunteer based organization that provides support for the needs of the medically distressed in the Crown Heights Community.

The incredible team of women who run this organization delegate the tasks of making and delivering fresh, hot meals to families going through a medical crisis, driving patients to and from treatments, visiting patients at the hospital and more, to their group of volunteers who, together, keep this organization running.

Naomi Pinson opened the evening welcoming and thanking this group of ladies who give so graciously of their time. She shared how just this week alone, 22 rides were given to patients, 81 meals were made and delivered to families with loved ones going through a medical crisis, 45 home and hospital visits, 102 phone conversations between Tuesday and Thursday and tens of thousands of dollars in financial assistance was distributed.

“We can all do our part in being there for one another,” said one of the board members. “We don’t need to move mountains to help someone. It’s the little things that make the biggest impact.”

Danit Schusterman shared her personal experience of going from being a recipient of the kindness of Bikur Cholim and expressing her gratitude for their grace and dignity when she needed them, to how she now volunteers and how grateful she is to be on the giving end. She called the room of volunteers ‘faceless angels’ and thanked them all for their work.

Yael Brummel shared her experiences of spending time with patients in the hospital while Miriam Schmukler shared how she continued in her father’s footsteps of driving patients to or from the hospital while being a listening ear at the same time. Another volunteer noted how wonderful it has been for the chinuch of her own young children each time they see her making a meal for a family.

“Life is full of ups and downs,” says Goldy M, a Bikur Cholim volunteer. “When B”H my family is doing well, I like to cook dinner or drive for Bikur Cholim. To me, cooking dinner or running an errand for someone who’s going through a hard time, means, I care about you, and I want to help.”

The evening came to a close with Sara Rosenstein from @Res_bysara creating the most beautiful Resin boards with each of the volunteers.

“We love and appreciate our volunteers and this evening was all about expressing that,” said one of the board members.

If you would like to be a part of this incredible organization and volunteer to make a meal, deliver a meal, drive or visit patients or to be a helping hand, please contact: Www.bikurcholimCH.org or call 7184671661.