Grocery delivery and handmade throw blankets for homebound seniors
Store To Door
Working in the community as a service during a pandemic seemed challenging at first but I found that it could still easily be done. Not knowing what I was going to do for my project I researched ways to volunteer any way I could, finding that many volunteer opportunities that were still possible during these times were at capacity for volunteers. While it is nice knowing that there are many volunteering in these times of need, this made it more of a struggle to find my place in serving the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. Luckily in time, I found a wonderful organization named Store To Door that serves homebound seniors by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service. I found it easy and rewarding to sign up weekly as a volunteer shopper. Being a shopper means that you get to go on a scavenger hunt throughout the store ensuring that each client receives what is needed for their week while keeping in mind the importance in finding the best deals and quality items for them. Volunteers help to shop for over a hundred orders on every Wednesday and Thursday of the week and long term volunteers take the clients orders, deliver their groceries, and stay for a weekly visit with each of them.
Working in the community as a service during a pandemic seemed challenging at first but I found that it could still easily be done. Not knowing what I was going to do for my project I researched ways to volunteer any way I could, finding that many volunteer opportunities that were still possible during these times were at capacity for volunteers. While it is nice knowing that there are many volunteering in these times of need, this made it more of a struggle to find my place in serving the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. Luckily in time, I found a wonderful organization named Store To Door that serves homebound seniors by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service. I found it easy and rewarding to sign up weekly as a volunteer shopper. Being a shopper means that you get to go on a scavenger hunt throughout the store ensuring that each client receives what is needed for their week while keeping in mind the importance in finding the best deals and quality items for them. Volunteers help to shop for over a hundred orders on every Wednesday and Thursday of the week and long term volunteers take the clients orders, deliver their groceries, and stay for a weekly visit with each of them.
Store To Door's Story:
Store to Door was founded in 1989 when a handful of people living in low-income senior housing, unable to shop on their own, requested assistance from the community. Over the years we have grown to reach hundreds of clients with our weekly service. Today, 100% of our clients are homebound, 90% live alone, 83% are considered low-income and 75% are women. In 2019, our grocery delivery and friendly visitation service served 719 clients with the support of 1,467 volunteers, and we anticipate an even greater in 2020! |
Store To Door's Mission:
Store to Door supports independent living for Portland area seniors and people with disabilities by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service. |
Store To Door's Vision:
We envision the Portland area to be a community where all seniors and people with disabilities are nourished, included, and can age with dignity in the setting of their own choice. |
Handmade throw blankets:
As another part of my project that I could do remotely; I researched things that care homes, foster homes, and nursing homes like to have donated as a comfort to those who are living in these facilities. One of the things mentioned were throw blankets to keep clients warm and comforted while they are sitting during the day.
During this term something that was talked about in our readings and class discussions was how to use resources that we already have to better a community space for sustainability. Knowing that I had a good amount of fabric and a sewing machine, making blankets seemed like a great way to use my resources while working on a fun sewing project that would in turn be something others could enjoy.
As another part of my project that I could do remotely; I researched things that care homes, foster homes, and nursing homes like to have donated as a comfort to those who are living in these facilities. One of the things mentioned were throw blankets to keep clients warm and comforted while they are sitting during the day.
During this term something that was talked about in our readings and class discussions was how to use resources that we already have to better a community space for sustainability. Knowing that I had a good amount of fabric and a sewing machine, making blankets seemed like a great way to use my resources while working on a fun sewing project that would in turn be something others could enjoy.
Reflection:
During this pandemic I was not able to volunteer doing the things that I would have normally, which helped me to see other ways to serve the community. This project during Covid-19 taught me that it is still possible to safely do for others who are physically unable to leave their homes and also work on projects safely in my own home, that can then be enjoyed by others in the safety of their homes.
During this pandemic I was not able to volunteer doing the things that I would have normally, which helped me to see other ways to serve the community. This project during Covid-19 taught me that it is still possible to safely do for others who are physically unable to leave their homes and also work on projects safely in my own home, that can then be enjoyed by others in the safety of their homes.