BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Western New Yorkers have a reputation of pulling together in times of crisis. With the coronavirus national health emergency forcing dramatic changes to daily life, several WNY groups are gearing up to help others who are housebound and unable to go out.
The Batavia High School Blue Devils Football Team and Coach Brennan Briggs are offering to bring supplies to those who are elderly. The team is taking precautions to prevent the spread of infection. "There is no human-to-human contact. We would go to the store and get what they need and put it on their front steps," explained Coach Briggs.
This message is posted on the team's Facebook page: "All those Batavia residents who have elderly that are in fear of leaving the home for essentials, please text 585-409-5557. We will arrange for members of the Batavia Football family to run errands for those in need. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help #BetterTogether"
The Parkside Community Association is gathering information on volunteers who can help those in the neighborhood. The association plans to hold a teleconference on Tuesday March 17 to match volunteers with people in need.
The Cheesy Chick Cafe & Food Trucks has contacted FEMA and Erie County about using its food truck to prepare food for seniors and out-of-school children. Employees of the restaurant are offering to work free, if the food supplies and transportation costs are supplied. Cheesy Chick, like many restaurants statewide, must now close their dining room and focus on take-out only.
"This is not the best time for us to be giving away services or products, but we know everyone is hurting. We know in the end that we are all going to come out on top - if we just help each other through," said Cheesy Chick owner Simone Fancher.
The restaurant has started a GoFundMe account to raise funds to pay for food supplies to feed children who are unable to get school meals while the virus situation continues. Click here to read more.
