Why you chose to volunteer for Connected?
“I’ve been volunteering with a variety of organizations for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I encountered many complex medical cases, some of which led me to have contact with Rabbi Meir Quinn, CEO of Connected. Four years ago, I was involved in trying to procure an INR machine urgently for a very young cardiac surgery patient and getting it to a convalescent center in Bat Yam. Every inquiry I made led me to Rabbi Quinn. I have no idea what he did or how he did it, but within an hour, my patient had her machine!”
My Story
“Right around the same time, Connected’s Confectionery was born. What makes our baking team so unique is the fact that it’s run by a group of women who all bake from home and then dispatch their delicious baked goods to hospitals, so the results are fresh, home-baked goods as opposed to industrial cookies or cakes.
“The initiative was launched in Beitar Illit and quickly gained momentum, and before long, we decided that Beitar should open a group of its own. Since then, I’ve been running the Confectionery project and ensuring its smooth operation. During those early days, we were sending out an average of 8-10 large sheet cakes a day, all home-baked by women who wanted to make a difference and send their love and support to patients in hospitals.
“Beitar’s group of bakers has since grown to encompass over 100 women who bake cakes on a weekly basis.”
“One of the things that I feel is most exceptional about Connected is that every case and appeal that reaches the office receives full attention and devoted care. Connected does for patients what no other organization does, and the results are obvious.”
What is the main role that you fill in the organization?
“On a daily basis, I manage separate groups of male and female volunteers. I think it’s very important to expand our base of volunteers in order to allow for more activity, as well as more simultaneous activity, that will enable us to provide 100% response to patients who require transportation to hospitals for treatment, etc.
You’re a very busy woman. What gives you the strength to carry on and continue volunteering?
“I have a tendency to undertake too many projects at once, and there are times when I promise myself that I won’t accept another case, at least not until things settle down. But life doesn’t let me retire from this, because it’s not a job—it’s a passion!
“What really gives me the strength to carry on is the awareness that, really, I know nothing. I have no way to know what tomorrow will bring, and as long as I have the strength, tools and capacity to keep on going, then I also have the opportunity to enjoy what I’m doing and be grateful to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for granting me the ability to do this. He endowed me with specific strengths and talents, and I’m not meant to keep them to myself, but to utilize them in the best way that I can to benefit others.
Do you have any partners or assistants whom you’d like to mention?
“Definitely! First of all, one of our volunteers, Danny Forman, is out-of-this-world, distinguishing himself in his outstanding devotion and dedication to the organization. Every week, Danny and his daughter Bracha make their rounds through the city, collecting about 45 cakes from different locations and bringing them all here.
“In addition, our teen volunteers are simply awesome! One young man, Eliyahu Tzadok, is here every Thursday night, keeping track of any unfinished assignment. His weekly text to me always reads, ‘I’ll finish up whatever there’s left to do.’ When I wake up in the morning, I always find the table outside my door clear!
“Also, our collaboration with the local Bais Yaakov high schools is truly a blessing. Girls come every Thursday, rain and shine, to deliver the cakes with such warmth and friendly spirit. It’s a pleasure to work with them.
“The officers at the local police station here in Beitar are also active partners in our efforts. It’s wonderful having the support of the Volunteer Branch of the local Welfare Department, as well as the cooperation of Mrs. Dassie Kroizer, who directs the local Matnas (Community Center) and is genuinely committed to our cause.
“I have no doubt that Hakadosh Baruch Hu reaps tremendous nachas from our efforts, and all I can ask is that in the merit of the ahavas chinam and boundless chessed that we do here at Connected, we should be zocheh to the Geulah and rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash speedily in our days!”
