Friendship Circle volunteers were awarded gifts at a recent reception. Zeesy Grossman, head of Friendship Circle, addressed the crowd and led two perakim of tehillim for those serving in Tzahal. A teenaged member of Friendship Circle spoke about how much he loves Friendship Circle and the volunteers who come to his house, who join him during various programs. Friendship Circle parent Rabbi Mondrow spoke about how much Friendship Circle has helped his family and child, and how all the volunteers give the parents a chance to take a break and refocus while the child is entertained with a responsible and cheerful volunteer.

A video was featured, portraying the attitudes of many who do not work with special needs children. Some may view certain situations or volunteers with disdain, which showed the volunteers how necessary it is to really know a person before judging them and to see the world through ‘Friendship Circle glasses.’ The volunteer of the year, Senior Shira Levi from the Frisch School, was named and lauded, and volunteers who logged over 2500 hours received an award as well. Friendship Circle Presidents from each school were called up to receive their gifts for all of their hard work and efforts to support and improve the organization.