Neighbours helping neighbours during COVID-19

St. George resident Elizabeth Eldridge is spearheading Charlotte County Community Helping Group. a goodwill citizens' group made up of neighbours safely helping neighbours during the uncertain time of COVID-19. Within 48 hours of being formed in second week of March 2020, the Facebook group had nearly 2,000 members and immediately began organizing community initiatives to identify local citizens in need and reach out to them safely with drop-offs of basic necessities during this unchartered time.

"To be honest, I had no idea how popular it would get. It has only been about two days since I first started it after wondering if other people like me were at home wondering how they could help their neighbours during this difficult time," said Eldridge. "We know we are supposed to be focusing on social distancing, but there still might be people in need -- was what I was thinking. I wasn't even sure what those needs might be. Two of those focuses we've now identified are kids who were taking part in breakfast programs at school who now don't have those meals available. The other major area of concern is elderly people who are vulnerable to the virus who need prescriptions picked up and groceries dropped off."

Eldridge has coordinated with volunteers around Charlotte County to follow safety guidelines to properly meets the needs of her community with donations of both goods and services for those in need. Eldridge is the first to highlight that Charlotte County Community Helping Group is a community initiative and not a government organization. Please call HealthLine 8-1-1 if you develop respiratory or flu-like symptoms, or if you have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19. 

"My heart is so full from seeing the love, compassion and generosity in this community," said Eldridge about the people of Charlotte County who've risen to the occasion to volunteer for Charlotte County Community Helping Group.