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East Bay group pairs volunteers with those needing help during coronavirus outbreak

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A trip to the grocery store or pharmacy has become a whole new challenge during the coronavirus pandemic, especially for seniors and those with compromised immune systems or other health issues.

But now a free volunteer-run service in East Contra Costa County is hoping to help by pairing them with healthy volunteers who can run those errands. Called Brentwood Strong, the grassroots program is the brainchild of Brentwood Planning Commissioner Seana Fippin. The longtime business owner and Rotary Club member launched the website BrentwoodStrong.com a week ago after hearing about seniors afraid to leave their homes or advised not to do so because of their health.

“I wanted to pair those who were concerned and scared and needed some assistance with getting groceries and supplies and needed groceries with volunteers who were well-vetted and would be willing and happy to help them out,” Fippin said.

Fippin was used to volunteering and said she knew many others who would step up to the plate. Within a day, she built a website at which volunteers and those requesting help could apply.

“The response has been phenomenal,” Fippin said, noting that she already has about 200 volunteers, with some working the phones and others shopping and delivering groceries in Brentwood and nearby cities. She is also trying to help volunteers set up the same platform in other regions.

“We just want to make sure any seniors who can’t leave their homes are covered — that’s really the number-one goal,” she said.

Fippin said she hopes to connect with groups that might offer resources, but as of now the seniors must pay for their own groceries and other necessities. Though it is not taking cash donations, the group accepts e-cards for seniors in need, she said.

“Unfortunately, we have no funding for now,” she said. “It’s just a very organic grassroots effort of people helping people.”

One of those being helped is Anthony Bryant, a Brentwood father with major health issues.

“I listen to the news every day. I don’t want to go out, I’m vulnerable,” he said. “What really upsets me is there are people not thinking about the most vulnerable parts of society — seniors and those with health conditions. I want to tell them, ‘Don’t dismiss this; take it seriously.’ ”

Bryant said he thinks more should be done to help seniors during this pandemic.

“I think it’s very important. What they’re doing is great, but I wonder if it’s going to reach enough seniors and handicapped people,” he added. “It was helpful for me, but I am wondering how long they (the volunteers) can handle it (requests for help).”

Randi Laforge, of Discovery Bay, also sought assistance, mainly because her husband had health issues and worried about her being exposed while running errands. She learned about the service through social media and signed up on the group’s website.

She said the process was “seamless” — she just had to email her volunteer a list and the purchases were delivered to her doorstep.

“We were so happy about it,” she said. “I feel very healthy, but I don’t want to risk getting him exposed. They put the bags on the front door, and we stuck out our heads and waved.”

“All of this stuff is really just inconveniences,” she added. “It could be so much worse.”

Brentwood teacher Heather French-Jeffrey volunteered with her sister, Kimberly French-Walker, and was paired with the Laforges.

“(In) all of my family, our heart is to serve,” French-Jeffrey said. “When you see a need, you fill a need, and right now our community needs a lot.”

She said her clients were “grateful and gracious,” and she even got a handwritten thank-you note with a huge heart drawn in red crayon.

Now whenever the sisters are at a store they check up with their senior “buddies” to see if they need anything.

“This is not a one-time thing,” French-Jeffrey said. “We are now in a partnership. This is for the long term, and we told them, ‘When you need something we are here for you.’ We really want everyone to keep the faith during this time. We need to help others. It’s a very tough time. We need to live by faith and not by fear.”