In recent weeks, supermarkets and other stores have been overwhelmed with business. It’s gotten so chaotic that many retailers have instituted special shopping hours for older people, pregnant women and the immunosuppressed. And, to help out even more, Good Samaritans called “Shopping Angels” have stepped up across the country. (Finally, some happy news!)
What’s the Story with Shopping Angels?
According to CNN, Jayde Powell, a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, created an organization with her medical fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon, called Shopping Angels. Her small group of volunteers delivered groceries for free to people in need—and the initiative quickly spread nationwide.
After doing an interview with local media, Powell woke up to 20 voicemails and 56 emails from people wanting to get involved. This blossomed into requests from all over the US. “I’ve got people in Connecticut, Long Island, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Arizona that want to volunteer,” she told CNN.
How Does It Work?
To use Shopping Angels, prospective clients reach out through email, phone or the group’s Facebook page. Then, they give angels their shopping list, budget and money for the purchase. Others shop for groceries online and Shopping Angels do the pickup.
The Shopping Angels wear masks and gloves while driving, picking up supplies and during delivery. The volunteers also don’t step foot into anyone’s home for safety reasons.
While the service is free, the items are not, so Powell has also created a GoFundMe account to help those who may not be able to afford what they need in this time of crisis. If you want to get involved, visit the Shopping Angels Facebook page for more information!
The post ‘Shopping Angels’ Are Delivering Groceries to People in Need Right Now appeared first on Taste of Home.
Krista Garcia