Community partnerships form during COVID-19 crisis

Published by admin on Tue, 03/24/2020 - 11:27am

Vicky Westcott and Tim Schmidt stand next to a portion of donated goods being collected at Mat's Place in Garner and being made available to persons in need during COVID-19 crisis. Rebecca Peter| The Leader

By:

Rebecca Peter

GARNER – The Garner Volunteer Ambulance Service (GVAS), Pritchard Auto of Garner and Mat’s Place have teamed up to help alleviate some hardship others may be experiencing during current COVID-19 crisis.

They are accepting monetary donations or donations of paper products, cleaning supplies, soap and toiletries for distribution to persons who may be experiencing difficulty at this time.

Vicky Westcott, EMS Manager for GVAS, started the effort on March 18. She approached Tim Schmidt of Pritchard’s Auto and Tammy Lennox, owner of Mat’s Place, with her idea. Schmidt and Lennox enthusiastically got on board.

“The thing that motivated me was seeing all the shelves go empty suddenly,” Westcott said. “I don’t think any of us expected to go to the grocery store or dollar store and not be able to buy toilet paper one day.”

Westcott wondered what would happen to the elderly who live on Social Security.

“They can’t get out right now. It may not the time of the month where they have their money. I just wanted to take care of that community.”

The response from the Garner businesses community and individuals has been overwhelming, according to Westcott.

The team learns who could benefit from the drive via social media or word of mouth.

A separate fund helps supply take-out meals to anyone in need.

Westcott said they have opened up the meal option to anyone on duty on the “front lines” of this crisis: health care workers, law enforcement, EMS personnel, dispatchers and others.

Tammy Lennox explained why she became involved:

“I think it's a good thing,” she said, “I think people are going to be needing it. It's going to be a long haul for everybody.”

The public is reminded that they can’t come into Mat’s Place at the present time. Call ahead, and the items or meal will be brought out to you. Deliveries are available by prior arrangement.

Anything that is left over at the end of the current crisis will be donated to God’s pantry, Lennox said.

If you know of someone in need, contact Vicky Westcott at 614-860-1249, Tammy at 641-843-8414 or Dillon Lennox 641-923-1113. Persons who would like to make a donation (either monetary or a product) should also contact Vicky, Tammy or Dillon.