Maryland Teens Go On Grocery Store Runs for Seniors and Vulnerable Neighbors Amid COVID-19 Fears

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These two teens’ big hearts and their break from high school in Maryland was the highlight of 73-year-old Jimmy Kraft’s week.

The two sophomores from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland have devised a way for Marylanders to get together and protect their grandparents and loved ones who have health conditions, by delivering the groceries and necessary supplies they need.

Kraft, a retired grandfather, has been sheltering at home during the coronavirus outbreak, unable to shop for himself. He is also raising his grandchild who is severely handicapped.

Concerned about contracting COVID-19 and bringing it home to his grandson, Kraft was yearning for some fresh food to be delivered, and he found Teens Helping Seniors.

Soon, Matthew Casertano and Dhruv Pai showed up at his door with a bag full of groceries.

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In the service project, teen volunteers maintain the proper social distance from the people they serve, and show meticulous care while shopping and delivering. They wear gloves while shopping, wipe down bags they are delivering, and offer curbside pickup when possible.

Bags of goods are left at doors, and cash is exchanged the same way. “It’s gone from extremely casual to extremely operational very quickly,” Matthew said. “This is one of those times I will remember that people are willing to look out for one another and have each other’s back.”

The idea came about when the two teens shopped for their elderly grandparents and then for their neighbors. Word spread quickly in the neighborhoods and they distributed flyers throughout the surrounding area.

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In 3 days, the teens have recruited several volunteers from other private and public high schools in Maryland as well as Washington, DC. They are now also recruiting college students to deliver groceries to older Marylanders and other vulnerable people.

“This was tremendously helpful,” said Mr. Kraft. “It truly is so amazing that teenagers would spend their time helping one of the most vulnerable populations. I am very grateful for their help and hope that more kids will join them in their efforts.”

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