In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, four organizations, as well as some individuals, have partnered to provide pick up and delivery services to those individuals free of charge.
Those with questions or who wish to utilize the service should either call or text 812-350-2526. While all volunteers are from the Hope area, the service is being made available to all Bartholomew County residents 55 and over, organizers said.
The concept of creating the temporary service came from Christy Greenhut, a board member of the Student’s Fund of Hope. The nonprofit was created by Stephanie Long and Whitney Budd two years ago primarily to assist children in the Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp. from financially disadvantaged families.
But her organizations also believes the elderly are precious assets, said Budd, Student’s Fund of Hope president. In addition, census figures shows 11.6% of Hope’s population — nearly 300 people — are 65 and over, with many on fixed incomes.
While most have family members or friends who can take care of their needs, there are also elderly people who don’t have anyone local to assist them, Budd said.
“We hold our elderly near and dear to our hearts,” Budd said. “They’ve have taken care of us, so we need to take care of them — especially in times like this.”
There have also been concerns that a significant number of students are being cared for by grandparents and older family members.
“While we want to make sure kids have what they need, we also want to protect the people who take care of those children,” Budd said.
When the call was put out for volunteers to provide the pick up and delivery services, congregations from three churches stepped forward: the First Baptist Church of Hope, the Hope Moravian Church and the Hope United Methodist Church, Budd said. In addition, a number of individuals also volunteered to help.
Due to the large number of volunteers, Budd said she has assured Columbus Regional Health they would provide the service throughout Bartholomew County. The biggest hope is that older people most susceptible to dangerous symptoms from the COVID-19 virus don’t risk exposure to the virus, Budd said.
As of mid-morning Tuesday, only a few calls had been received from out-of-state residents who have elderly family members in northeast Bartholomew County, Budd said. They were seeking assurances that a volunteer would be able to pick up and deliver specific items, she said.
“We suspect we will get phone calls for grocery deliveries, as well as pharmaceutical needs,” Budd said. “Pharmacies will allow us to pick up most prescriptions, as long as we have the person’s birth date.”
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If you are or know a person 55 and older who has no other person to pick up essentials from stores, pharmacies or other facilities, a group of volunteers are willing to do so during the current COV-19 health concerns.
While the group is based in Hope, organizers say they will pick up and deliver essential items throughout Bartholomew County.
If you need this service or have questions, call or text 812-350-2526.
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The Republic is seeking information about groups or individuals stepping forward to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Please send an email to [email protected] with information about what you are doing to help with your name and telephone number, so we may contact you for a story.
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