AUSTINTOWN — Austintown resident and clinical counselor Sarah Thompson said a volunteer grocery shopping program she organized to help the elderly and vulnerable get necessary supplies without leaving their homes is in need of more volunteers.

“It’s been a lot of work, but I’m hearing so many stories of people who are really struggling and they’re so appreciative of the service, which makes it all worth it,” said Thompson. She said many community members are stepping up, but there are more people who are asking for the service.

A response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service is in the Boardman, Poland, Mineral Ridge, Austintown and Canfield areas, but Thompson said she has been getting requests from other areas as well.

Volunteers are asked to pick up additional groceries while they are already going to the store for their own supplies and to deliver those groceries to the doorstep of the person or persons for whom they are shopping. The program limits the number of people in stores and also decreases exposure for high-risk populations.

Volunteers can sign up for a shopping time slot on Thompson’s website, pursuingchangecounseling.com.

Those 65 or older or who have compromised immune systems and are in need of the service can contact Thompson at (330) 349 5075 or by e-mail at pursuingchangecounseling@gmail.com

news@tribtoday.com