In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, those who rely on help from others are the most vulnerable.
Some of these people are elderly and remain at high risk for infection, but others are young and dependent on family or close friends to provide food every day. While the Assistance & Resource Ministries (ARM) food pantry, located at 714 W. C St. in Elizabethton, Tennessee, has done a great deal of work in the past by sending out food to those in need, the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered their ability to serve at that same capacity as of late.
ARM is staying safe by requesting that their elderly volunteers stay home to prevent a greater risk of infection, and they are currently asking for some more helping hands. The main goal is, obviously, to limit the physical interaction between those in need and the volunteers giving out the food products. Following suit of most businesses today, ARM developed a drive-thru system so that volunteers and shoppers do not come into close contact with each other.
If you do not fall into a risk factor group for COVID-19, and you would like to help serve, ARM has positions to fill on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you are interested, you can contact ARM at (423) 542-0919.
ARM’s mission is “to identify and secure the necessary human, financial, and material resources required to efficiently and fairly provide basic emergency necessities to those in need throughout Carter County”.
This is undoubtedly a time of uncertainty for everyone. However, one of the best methods to counteract this infection is to look out for one another. Remaining responsible, clean, and aware of the risks you and your peers face is incredibly helpful in diminishing the spread of infection.
Headline Photo: Faye Ingram prepares food boxes at ARM in Elizabethton, Tenn. Photo by Curtis Carden via the Elizabethton Star.