Mission Valley neighbors band together during COVID-19 pandemic
Rob Zolman
Volunteers carry groceries to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below: volunteers Leslie Martin and Clay Shoemaker finalize their shopping list.
Rob Zolman
Volunteers Leslie Martin and Clay Shoemaker finalize their shopping list.
Rob Zolman
Vehicles are full of donations.
Rob Zolman
Volunteer Aaron Fulwiler drops off one of the boxes.
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LAKE COUNTY – The COVID-19 pandemic is leaving many people in need of basic supplies. Just getting to the store is a challenge for some, so a group of volunteers stepped up to help through a program called Helping Hands.
“It is a scary time for a lot of us. There’s a lot of uncertainty around this,” said Helping Hands Fund Administrator Jennifer Rolfsness. “We’re not alone in this. In reality, we’re in this together.”
Helping Hands developed an umbrella program called Shop & Drop at the beginning of April when it was evident that help was needed. Volunteers with the shopping program receive a list of needed items, shop for them, and then, deliver them. Individuals and families struggling to provide groceries or necessities receive the items.
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed a shop-and-drop program for grocery or personal-care items for those in emergent need,” Rolfsness said. “At this time, we are giving priority to our elders, families with children, veterans and those who are experiencing difficulties related to school and job closures.”
The need comes from a variety of issues created by the pandemic, including financial strain. People utilizing the service can also be at high risk for complications from the virus and need help with the shopping so that they quarantined at home.
The Salvation Army provides the majority of the funds for the program from their holiday bell-ringing project. Rolfsness said volunteers and donations make the program possible. “The volunteers are the true heartbeat behind this program, and without them, Helping Hands would not be able to assist those in need.”
She said people wanted to help. “Since the day after we put a plea out for volunteers, our phone has been ringing off the hook with people ready to go to work for their friends and neighbors in our communities.”
Shop & Drop volunteer Aaron Fulwiler said that many organizations are working together to help identify the people in need. “We are working with school administrators, counselors, churches, resource agencies, community foundations and locals to identify and help alleviate the strain of basic necessities in this uncertain and scary time,” she said.
Last week, volunteers mobilized to fill lists for more than 25 families by shopping locally and loading up their carts with food items like bread and milk, along with basic staple items like toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning supplies.
On Fridays, volunteers go out armed with their bags of groceries and address lists to distribute the packages. They often leave items on doorsteps to avoid direct contact and exposure to the virus. For those receiving the help, it can be a literal lifesaver. “We truly have no idea what the need is behind the closed doors of each home,” said Fulwiler. “I am happy to provide them with some slight relief in the way of not worrying about being hungry.”
For volunteers assisting with the program, the experience can also be a gratifying experience. “Being able to help people has impacted me in a big way,” said volunteer Jessica Allred. “Yes, COVID-19 is scary, but the feeling you get from being able to help people is far stronger than fear. Right now, there is so much bad in the world, fear, greed, anger and loneliness. I choose to show people love, compassion, empathy and support, and, I promise you, it is a much better feeling.”
For more information or for anyone that needs help, contact Helping Hands www.helpinghandsofmissionvalley.org or by call 406-883-8256.
