In the midst of all the overwhelming facts we face on a daily basis during this pandemic, we continue to hear uplifting stories of caring and kindness.
This week’s Someone 2 Know is a group - started by a student from the University Of Nevada, Reno
The volunteers for SHOPPING ANGELS pick up groceries and other essentials and deliver them right to the doorstep of those who cannot leave their homes.
The predominantly young men and women who help, are braving the super markets and exposing themselves to risk, to shop for those who can't;
"Anybody who is immuno-compromised, anybody who's high-risk,” explains SHOPPING ANGELS National Coordinator, Skotti Torrence
Like many seniors, Louise Hopkins, is taking the stay-at-home orders seriously;
"Because of my COPD and I didn't wanna risk going out" and Louise can’t afford to p[ay for delivery.
The service is free. SHOPPING ANGELS volunteers like Skotti, Benjamin and Kyla set off with the client's wish list - and even handle the payment at the register.
"We pay for it when we're there,” relates Skotti, “And they just reimburse us when we deliver the groceries".
And whether it's for yourself, or a loved one - signing up for the service is easy.
"You can go online to the Facebook Shopping Angels page and there's a link in there and you can go to the link and fill out the form,” offer volunteer Kyla Severance.
SHOPPING ANGELS was created less than two weeks ago by UNR Pre-Med student Jayde Powell. She's now schooling online from Las Vegas - and the idea has since gone viral. Thousands of volunteers have cropped up all over the U.S.
"We've also had New Zealand, Canada, London,” Skotti tells us, “We've several people get in contact and they're like "Hey, we wanna do the same thing".
The response has been overwhelming; from those in need of the service, to those offering to help. The group says right now, they could really use some behind the scenes support.
"Now that we've spread to other states we do need coordinators"
That would free up other volunteers to do the shopping and delivery. Something Kyla has found great joy in doing;
"It's really important to show a little kindness and I feel that kindness can go a long way"
…and Louis has found great relief in receiving;
"They are definitely true to their word - they are angels"
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This is a link to the official Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shoppingangelsinc/
This is a link to the official Go Fund Me page (beware of impostor sites and scams)
