Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Eastern PA Jeep Club Organizes Caravans Honoring Virus Front Line Workers | Quadratec Skip to main content
Blog
Photography By: 
April Gamiz/The Morning Call

by Matt Konkle
Quadratec Channel Editor


A parade of Jeeps showing support for those supporting us. That’s the message one eastern Pennsylvania Jeep club wanted to relay when it recently organized caravans at several regional hospitals.

The goal was a line of Jeeps with flashing lights, honking horns, drivers and passengers waving or shouting encouragement, and signs plastered all over windows.

And that goal was certainly achieved.

The Jeep Enthusiasts of Eastern Pennsylvania Jeep club Friday held this caravan at three different Lehigh Valley (PA) hospitals, and vehicles slowly circled each one as drivers and passengers offered an emotional tribute for doctors, nurses and other hospital staff fighting on the front lines of COVID-19.

Around 90 total Jeeps participated in the event between the three different locations, said club co-founder and president Brandon Zeigler, with several coming to all three caravans while others did two and some one.

”I was just looking for something we could do to help the health care workers, no matter how small it may be,” Zeigler said. “And the appreciation they showed us for this little Jeep parade was amazing. It really meant a lot to them and it was kind of emotional for them and us.”

The event targeted Cedar Crest, 17th Street and Muhlenberg hospitals around the Allentown area, which is about 60 miles north of Philadelphia.

Organizers opened parade spots through the club’s Facebook page, but limited participation in each hospital caravan in order to follow Lehigh Valley Hospital Network guidelines for the safety of both riders and hospital spectators. Additionally, all caravan riders were required to remain inside their respective vehicles during the entire time and many used CB radios for communication.

”We posted as much info upfront ahead of time as we could so people had an idea as to what was going on,” Zeigler said. “I used a megaphone to announce the line up and how it would go as well as used a CB channel. LVHN really helped the process and took lead by setting up the routes and meeting spots and having their security lead.

”Honestly I don’t think it could have went any better. They were very pleased with how it all went too.”

The caravan at each location definitely attracted its share of attention from those workers around and inside the respective hospitals. Many took videos or photos from smartphones, while others applauded and waved back.

”I work at the Muhlenberg Campus and watched the parade today. Thank you so much for doing this! It made our day,” said Kelly O’Connell in post on the club’s Facebook page.

”Very grateful for your support at LVHN 17th Street,” Andrea Hallman Russell said in another post on the group’s Facebook page.

But it wasn’t just doctors, nurses, first responders and other hospital workers who caught up with Friday’s Jeep parade. It also attracted the attention of hospital patients, and made an impression on those hospital workers who were in the parade as well.

”Just a quick thank you, my uncle is a patient at LVHN, Muhlenberg, and saw you guys cruising around the hospital,” said Donald Basta on the club’s Facebook page. “(It) not only lifted the nurses and (doctor) spirits, but also the patients. Thanks again.”

”I work at LVHN and was in the middle of the parade,” B.J. Simpson said in a post. “We were grateful to show our appreciation for all that the front line workers do, including my Biomed team.”

Following the success of this event, Zeigler said the club will be holding another Jeep caravan at the LVHN’s Schuylkill hospital location on Thursday, April 23. Those interested in participating can find more info on the Jeep Enthusiasts of Eastern PA’s Facebook page.

“A big thank you to all of you who came out today and joined us in showing your appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and all hospital staff working on the front lines of COVID-19,” the club said in a statement. “You all helped make this a great and memorable event.”

Top Jeep Articles

  • September 11, 2025
  • 6 min read
Five Jeep Shock Upgrades Every Owner Should Know About
Discover the best shocks to transform your Jeep Wrangler’s ride. From budget-friendly upgrades to premium performance options, here are five top picks Jeep owners trust.
READ MORE
  • September 9, 2025
  • 7 min read
How To Keep Your Soft Top Windows Safe
Removable soft top side and rear windows are a great option for those nice days. When you do, here is how to keep them from getting damaged.
READ MORE
  • September 5, 2025
  • 4 min read
Seven Slot Dispatch 9.5.2025
Weekly Jeep-related news items from around the industry and community.
READ MORE
  • September 3, 2025
  • 6 min read
Top Overlanding Questions Answered: Building Your Adventure, Your Way
Overlanding blends off-road travel, self-reliance, and adventure. Learn the essentials to make your Jeep ready for the journey.
READ MORE
  • September 2, 2025
  • 4 min read
What Is Jeep’s Off-Road Plus Mode and When Should You Use It?
Learn how Off-Road Plus fine-tunes your Jeep’s traction, throttle, and transmission for maximum control on sand, rocks, and rough trails.
READ MORE
  • August 29, 2025
  • 4 min read
Seven Slot Dispatch 8.29.2025
Weekly Jeep-related news items from around the industry and community.
READ MORE
  • August 26, 2025
  • 4 min read
Spare Tire Delete: The Pros and Cons for Your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator
Ditching the rear spare is more than just a look—it’s about performance, practicality, and personal preference.
READ MORE
  • August 25, 2025
  • 3 min read
Day Five at the Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion: The Jeep Spirit Takes Over Pigeon Forge
From the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway parade to late-night parking lot meetups, Jeep life spills beyond the LeConte Center and into the heart of town.
READ MORE