Social media helps connect those in need
Man sets up site for volunteers to help vulnerable locals who need essentials
Windsorite Mark Jones is using the power of social media to connect locals who want to help those in need during this coronavirus pandemic. After seeing that seniors and many others are struggling to get basic necessities because local store shelves were empty or because they are afraid to go out in public because of COVID-19, the local businessman decided to do something to help.
Jones launched a Facebook group — called Seniors needing Necessities during Coronavirus — that has attracted a growing number of volunteers across Windsor and Essex County who are delivering to homebound residents.
“It’s brutal and it was really bothering me that so many people are hoarding,” Jones said. “And then when I read a story that some guy went to Costco and bought a ton and then went over to the Staples and starting selling it for double, that really upset me.”
His distress grew when his daughter Ava, 18, came home Friday night in tears following a stop at a grocery store where she came across an elderly man who asked for help finding toilet paper and wipes. But the shelves were bare.
“She was really upset,” Jones said. “Luckily I found out who (he) was and I brought some (to him). So he was pretty happy.
“That’s when I thought, you know, we’ve got to do something about this.”
The 52-year-old commercial playground designer and regional manager of New World Park Solutions said he was sure there were a lot of people who wanted to lend a hand to others, so he posted the idea of helping folks who are at high risk of dying if they contract the virus, such as seniors or those with compromised immune systems, on his own Facebook page.
“I got a huge response. It had over 200 likes on it right away.”
So Jones decided to launch the group page and by the end of the day Saturday, there were already 30 people who had joined as moderators — volunteers who gather and deliver goods. As of Tuesday morning, he had 54, with more requests coming in.
That led to the launch of a Facebook page called Windsor Essex Seniors needing necessities, where requests for items can be made and updates are posted.
One of those requests for a specific liquid formula needed by a grandmother who is caring for an infant, had nine or 10 volunteers scouring stores over the weekend.
“Yesterday, somebody found a case of it so we were able to deliver that,” Jones said.
“There’s a lot of good people out there that want to help,” he said. “I think with all these new announcements coming out that places are closing, we’re ready for a big hit. We’re trying to get more and more organized. We’re learning as we go here.”
Currently, Jones is paying for most of the products that are being distributed, things such as toilet paper, hygiene products, disinfectant sprays and wipes and some basic food items.
“I put money aside for disabled people as well, but this is a little bit more important right now so I’m taking that money and funding this for the time being,” he said. “But as it gets bigger, we’re going to be looking for donations (of products).”
Warehouse space to store goods for distribution is being set up.
Jones said volunteers who deliver items must guarantee that they’re not sick. Packages are disinfected and left outside on porches to reduce personal interaction.
“They are notified that it is there so they can come out and get it once we’re gone,” he said, although some folks want to meet the volunteers and say thank you and some insist on paying for the items. “Others just don’t want to go out in public.
Most of the time we just leave it there for them.”