(March 19, 2020) Helping elderly community members acquire food, medicines and other necessities is the aim of a new email-based volunteer group formed by Colby Phillips.

Speaking on Tuesday, Phillips said she launched the email campaign on Facebook the previous evening out of  concern for senior citizens becoming exposed to the coronavirus. Her effort is a personal undertaking and is not connected to the OPA in any way.

“I had 20 volunteers within two hours,” she said.

Phillips vetted the crew of volunteers that is comprised mainly of friends and acquaintances.

“It’s always amazing to me that the community as a whole in times of need step up and always have,” she said.

Phillips said elderly community members who should remain isolated but need to pick up food or medication could email localhelp4youwc@gmail.com.

“We will forward it to the [volunteers] and see who is available,” she said. “We will confirm who is coming to assure people feel safe.”

Due to current safety precautions to minimize spreading the virus, volunteers will not enter homes to deliver items.

“It’s important for us to take precautions,” she said.

Phillips said anyone in need of help should provide their name, phone number and address to receive volunteer assistance.

Adopting an “Uber” approach, Phillips said a description of the driver and vehicle would be provided to assure proper identification.

“This is a time we have to have faith and take care of each other,” she said.