Reaching out and making a difference

Joel Block, the executive director of the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC in Cedarhurst, recounted a story about a day a month into his tenure at Monday’s Five Towns Community Chest annual meeting in Gold Hall at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library.

“A car filled with boxes pulled up, I thought it was someone bringing us things,” Block said. “I then realized he came to us because he had no where else to go. He was living out of his car. I came face-to-face with someone who had nothing.I asked one of our social workers, ‘who do we call.’ She said we’re the place when they have no where else to go.”

Neighbors helping neighbors, a Community Chest program, was the resounding theme of the Feb. 1 get together that recognized Block with the Joseph M. Sokol Award, which is given to a business person, who is dedicated to the community.

“You have done a phenomenal job filling Rina Shkolnik’s shoes and taking the JCC where it needs to go for the future,” said JCC President Craig Spatz, a Chest director, about Block, who also received a certificate from Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach).

Community Chest is an 85-year-old organization that raises funds to support other local groups such as the Five Towns Early Learning Center, the JCC, Tempo and the Center for Adult Life Enrichment. “We look to allocate the most funds we can to help our neighbors,” said Steven Spiro. In addition, Chest helps individuals in need.

Woodsburgh resident Raquel Israel was given the Board Leadership Award for her work on the board and coordinating Chest’s fundraising dinner. Businessman Howard Bodner was presented with the Public Service Award for his efforts.

Raymond Mohler Jr., a senior at Lynbrook High School, was honored for his Little St. Nick Foundation, which provides gifts for children in Long Island hospitals.

“It is wonderful when someone could walk away with hope,” Block said, about both being in a position to help and volunteering. “Just reach out and help. You could always make a difference.”