Perry's Promise, a nonprofit organization in Walker County, Georgia, that specializes in animal rescue work, has switched gears amid the coronavirus outbreak and is helping the elderly with groceries and other chores.
Janice Williams, one of the group's founders, said she and a handful of her volunteers have made more than 100 deliveries in a week and are gearing up for a busy weekend.
Because people who are over 65 years old and others who have underlying health conditions are more susceptible to the coronavirus, Williams decided to help by offering delivery services of groceries and other necessities to seniors in Walker County.
"It is crazy busy right now," Williams said. "It's not an army, but we're covering a lot of ground."
Contributed photo by Janice Williams / Volunteer Joy Morris shopping for groceries Friday afternoon at Save-A-Lot in Walker County, Georgia. Perry's Promise has offered similar services in the past. The group partners with Meals on Wheels to offer "Wags on Wheels" to provide senior citizens on limited incomes with pet food and other pet essentials.
Williams said it has been heartbreaking to talk with people who are confined to their homes out of precaution but also fear.
"It absolutely ripped my heart out because these people are scared," she said. "I had to talk through the glass because they're afraid to open their door - obviously - and make contact with anybody. They are completely isolated and don't know for how long."
She also said it's been hard finding groceries that are within people's budgets on a fixed income.
The nonprofit has helped by using donations to help pay for groceries. Williams said she and volunteers have also paid out of pocket to help those in need.
Word is getting out about Perry's Promise and at least one foundation, Modern Woodmen of America, is helping out in a big way. The organization donated $1,000 to help pay for groceries. Amazon had worked with Penny's Promise in the past by providing pet food and essentials and is now giving cleaning supplies and sanitation items for the seniors.
Matt Harris, coordinator for innovative learning with Walker County Schools, has helped with delivering meals to students. Williams said Harris is also helping her and her team by sharing resources and contacts.
Contributed photo by Janice Williams / Volunteer Joy Morris shopping for groceries Friday afternoon at Save-A-Lot in Walker County, Georgia. Volunteers Courtney and Robert Blakemore have been volunteering every day for everything from making food runs to answering calls and dispatching volunteers.
On Tuesday, the same day state health officials confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Walker County, Perry's Promise was able to extend its outreach to Catoosa County with the help of Rock Bridge Community Church in Ringgold.
The church will have its own group of volunteers to help seniors in Catoosa County with the same need.
On Sunday, Williams and volunteer Judy Nihiser are hosting a free dinner for veterans and seniors at the American Legion in Rossville. For details, call 423-645-3378.
If you are a senior citizen, are someone who needs help or you know someone who could use these services, call 706-996-9146.
Contact Patrick Filbin at pfilbin@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickFilbin.