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Scarlette Walker, NC State Coordinator for Shopping Angels, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
Shopping Angels is an entirely volunteer-based program that was founded in mid-March by Jayde Powell, an undergraduate pre-med student at the University of Nevada, Reno.
The premise is simple: volunteers grocery shop for individuals who are especially at-risk for COVID-19 and/or those with other health issues, seniors, parents of young children and those who are self-isolating due to possible COVID-19 exposure. Requested groceries are delivered to the recipient’s home with no additional fees added; all the recipient pays is the price on the grocery receipt.
The program quickly gained global attention, has been featured on national news programs and now includes over 7,000 volunteers.
Walker, a Vance County resident, said she was inspired by Shopping Angels’ spirit of service. “When I heard about it, I was interested in it because I wanted to be able to help my community. I have a heart for the elderly and those shut-in and in need. I see this as an opportunity for me to reach out and help others.”
Volunteers are matched with recipients and will contact them for their grocery list. Wearing a mask and gloves, volunteers will then go grocery shopping, bring the groceries to the recipient’s door, return to their car and call the recipient to let them know their groceries have arrived. This method protects both volunteers and recipients alike and follows social distancing guidelines, said Walker.
Volunteers keep in touch with recipients throughout the process and, upon delivery, recipients exchange cash for their items. Walker stated clients are never expected to pay more than the exact cost of the groceries and volunteers will not ask for gas money, tips or delivery fees.
To make this service a reality in Vance County, both volunteers or “angels” and those requesting service are needed. “If we get volunteers together to get this up and running, we could be ready to go in a few days,” Walker stated.
Walker added, “Right now, Shopping Angels as a whole has more volunteers than people requesting services. We need help in reaching the portion of the community that is shut-in and may not have access to the internet.”
To volunteer, to request service or to become a sponsor, visit www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and complete the appropriate form. For those without computer access, those who need assistance with the forms or with general questions, please contact Walker directly at (252) 226-0131. If Walker is unavailable, please leave a voicemail.
Walker said she can see Shopping Angels becoming a permanent fixture globally and locally. “I think it will continue and there will still be a need for these services long after COVID-19.”
To hear the interview with Walker in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
