Shabbos, Yom Tov & Late-Night OTC Medication Access for the Community
Your neighborhood’s trusted medicine gemach when families need urgent over-the-counter relief.
What Is the Medicine Chest Program?
The Medicine Chest — also known in the community as the — is Chesed 24/7’s after-hours OTC medication network, providing urgent access to essential over-the-counter medicines during Shabbos and Yom Tov when pharmacies are not accessible.
Why the Medicine Chest Exists
Emergencies don’t wait for weekdays
Fever spikes, sudden pain, or urgent symptoms can happen at any time, even when pharmacies are closed.
The Medicine Chest fills that gap
Chesed 24/7 maintains a network of stocked medicine chests with essential OTC items to stabilize urgent, non-life-threatening situations until proper care is available.
Especially vital for parents
Having immediate access to OTC medication can make the difference between a sleepless crisis and calm, responsible care for young children.
A community safety net for Shabbos and Yom Tov
The Medicine Chest ensures families can access critical OTC medications safely and within halachic guidelines when driving or purchasing is restricted.
What’s Inside a Medicine Chest
Each location is stocked with a curated set of essential OTC items, such as:
- Pain relief (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin)
- Fever reducers (adult & children’s versions)
- Cold and cough medicine
- Allergy relief (e.g., antihistamines)
- Stomach and digestive aids
- Bandages and basic first-aid items
- Cotton, alcohol pads, and similar supplies
- Limited comfort items when available
No prescriptions are dispensed — only standard OTC medications.
How to Access the Medicine Chest
Chesed 24/7 publishes a listing of neighborhoods and addresses where families can go to access essential OTC medications on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Contact us for any questions in advance:
📞 Phone: 845-354-3233
How Donations Support Medicine Chest
Keeping a network of emergency OTC supplies running requires:
- Purchasing medication & supplies
- Restocking across all locations
- Keeping distribution active year-round
- Supporting the hotline system
- Managing logistics & volunteer coordination
Donation Tiers
- $18 – Helps replenish basic medicine
- $36 – Restocks children’s OTC needs
- $72 – Restocks an entire location
- $180 – Helps maintain the hotline & logistics
- $540 – Supports a cluster of chests for a month
- $1,800+ – Sponsor a full neighborhood
Your support helps ensure no family faces a nighttime or Shabbos emergency alone.
Open at 3am — Because You Keep It Stocked
Every restocked shelf means a parent finds fever medicine in the middle of the night instead of panic. Your support keeps the Medicine Chest open when everything else is closed.
Who Benefits from Medicine Chest?
Anyone with urgent OTC needs after hours
Parents with sick children
Adults needing nighttime relief
Seniors with mobility limitations
Families without transportation. People observing Shabbos or Yom Tov who need assistance
Support the Medicine Chest Program
A sick child. A painful night. A Yom Tov emergency.
Your donation helps families get the help they need — immediately.
Where the Medicine Chest Is Available
New Square
Monsey
Spring Valley
Pomona
New City
Suffern
Airmont
Kiamesha / Gibbers
Bloomingburg
Pearl River
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Donations restock chests year-round, and full-neighborhood sponsorships are available. Every restocked shelf helps a family through an after-hours emergency.
Chesed 24/7 publishes a listing of neighborhoods and addresses where chests are stocked. Call 845-354-3233 in advance with any questions about the location nearest you.
The Medicine Chest exists for Shabbos, Yom Tov, and late-night hours when pharmacies are closed. For any serious medical concern, always contact a doctor or Hatzalah.
Standard over-the-counter items only — pain relievers, fever reducers, cold and cough medicine, allergy relief, stomach aids, and basic first-aid supplies. No prescription medications are dispensed.
Yes. All over-the-counter items provided through the Medicine Chest are free of charge, supported entirely by community donations.
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