The Friendship Circle, an international network of Chabad-Lubavitch run programs that pair teenage volunteers with children with special needs, is gearing up for its third-annual teen leadership weekend, to be held at the Meer Family Friendship Center in West Bloomfield, Mich., from Feb. 6 to 8.

Sponsored by the network’s International Volunteer club, the gathering is designed to enhance cooperation between the Friendship Circle’s 73 branches worldwide and their approximately 9,850 volunteers.

Said Livingston, N.J., resident Gila Akselrad of last year’s event: “Learning from other volunteers, hearing their stories, the activities and seminars: It helped us grow even more.” …