Seeing this well of opportunity, the outreach program began to incorporate them in their massive mivtzoyim operations throughout the year. As time went on, the system became more efficient with an organized database and detailed, updated routes. Indeed, this past Chanuka saw an unprecedented number of menorahs distributed with the help of these volunteers.

But this Pesach was something special. As word got out that Chabad of Sheepshead Bay had mivtzoyim opportunities available, people began to reach out. Mrs. Chana Gellard, who organizes mivtzoyim activities before the Yomim Tovim, arranged for two busses (!) of girls from Beis Rivka, Bnos Menachem, Beis Chaya Mushka, and other schools in Crown Heights to visit people and distribute Matzah, reaching hundreds in just two days. With the help of Rabbi Dovid Okunov, Anash from East Flatbush also took part, bringing their families to participate in the Rebbe’s call for mivtza Matzah. Along with dozens of pairs of Bochurim, these groups brought Matzah to 2500 Jewish homes in the area. 11 street-mivtzoyim stands manned by bochurim managed to distribute close to 1000 packages, with the overall total reaching 3500 by the time Pesach arrived.

“We want to wish a big yasher koach to all those who took part in this year’s mivtza Matzah in Sheepshead Bay,” the organizers said. “With their help, we enabled thousands of yidden to fulfil the mitzva properly and no doubt the Rebbe had much nachas from our efforts.”

The program was led by Rabbis Menachem Halperin and Yankel Katzman, directed by Rabbi Yizchok Schwartz, Director of Outreach at Chabad Sheepshead Bay.