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The Jewish volunteer group, formed in Passaic in 2009, goes out on the road to help people with non-medical emergencies.
"The word [Chaverim] is Hebrew for friend," member Shaya Eisenman said. "Anything you would call your friend for, you can call us."
Around 25 members actively hit the road when needed, Eisenman, the coordinator of member services and communication, said. They always accept new members so keep expanding, though.
Some of Passaic Chaverim's main efforts include flat tires, people locked out, or cars out of gas, Eisenman said.
One of their more unique calls was a woman who lost her engagement ring in her backyard.
"We searched for an hour and a half and found it, stuck in the snow," Eisenman said.
They also help with missing person cases, such as in a recent search for a Passaic woman.
The group sticks mainly to Passaic and Clifton so that they can respond quickly, Eisenman said. They usually arrive within 15 minutes of being called, he said.
The Passaic faction formed out of the main Rockland County Chaverim, which started in the 1990s.
"We're all volunteers, so it's just really people doing it out of the goodness of their hearts," Eisenman said. "They want to help the community."
FOR HELP: Call 973-447-4811 to reach the Passaic Chaverim.
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