Trailblazers sees increase in need during pandemic
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“Some foods have been difficult to find especially in the amounts we need.”
Trailblazers sees increase in need during pandemic
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Garza County Trailblazers has continued to function in order to feed senior citizens across the community.
“Currently, we are delivering approximately 65 meals daily to seniors at home,” Director Jo Ann Rathbun said. “Approximately 25 seniors come to Trailblazers and get a takeout meal.”
In fact, Rathbun says the pandemic has directly affected the number of meals the center serves.
“We have had an increase in the number of meals we deliver and in takeout meals,” she said.
With an increase in numbers and the shelves of many grocery stores barren, Rathbun says the center often struggles to find the goods they need.
“Some foods have been really difficult to find,” she said. “Especially in the amounts we need. We’ve had to buy more food and paper goods to provide takeout meals. We are also sending additional food, toilet paper, Kleenex and paper towels to the elderly once a week along with their home delivered meal.”
Rathbun stresses that not only has the center been directly impacted by COVID-19, but also the seniors who depend on the center for daily nourishment and socialization.
“Seniors seem really worried,” Rathbun said. “They also really miss coming into the center to visit with one another.”
However, Rathbun and the rest of the employees at Garza County Trailblazers understand the seriousness of COVID-19, making sure to take necessary precautionary measures while preparing, serving and delivering meals.
“We wear gloves and masks,” Rathbun said. “We have also closed the dining area here at Trailblazers. We don’t allow more than ten persons in the building at one time, we practice social distancing and we try to take the meals to the elderly in their car so that they don’t have to get out and come in the building.”
While the center continues to face these unprecedented times, Rathbun says there are ways the community can help.
“Ways that others can help include being a backup meal deliverer, donating non-perishable foods and paper goods and donating money to Trailblazers,” she said.
To donate or become a meal delivery personnel, call Jo Ann Rathbun at 806-495-2998.
