Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Eva Blinder

✨ VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ✨

Meet Eva Blinder, a dedicated volunteer from Asheville, NC, whose commitment to service and Jewish values has made her a valued part of NECHAMA’s Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Now retired, Eva worked for many years in Asheville as an administrator for a local manufacturing company. When Helene hit, she and her wife were fortunate to avoid property damage at their home, though like everyone else in the region, they went without power, water, and internet for an extended time.

Wanting to help, Eva searched for volunteer opportunities through the Hands On Asheville website and was intrigued when she saw NECHAMA listed: “You don’t see a lot of specifically Jewish organizations doing this kind of work. At first I thought it might be more than I could handle, but then I saw friends my age were out volunteering- so, I thought If they could do it, I could do it, too!” Since then, she has volunteered countless times with NECHAMA, saying she especially appreciates how well-organized everything is (and the Oreos!).

For Eva, volunteering with NECHAMA is tied to her Jewish identity: “In every way, we need to be there for each other. It might sound cliché - repairing the world - but it’s real. You’re given certain abilities, and if you can use them to help others, we’re called upon to do it. I also like that people can see that Jews are out here, getting our hands dirty- especially at a time where there’s this rising antisemitism.”

Her message to others thinking about volunteering is simple: “There’s always something you can do to help. Some days I’ve done home repairs, other days I’ve just hauled stuff out to the dumpster (my personal best skill! 😉). I’m 74, but there’s still plenty I can do. Whoever you are, whatever your situation, there’s always something you can do to help.”

We’re so grateful to have Eva as a volunteer and look forward to more days of service together!