A group of local volunteers is partnering with police and fire departments to set up a delivery service to bring food, medicine and other needs to homebound residents.

“We want folks to know we are available to help,” said Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch.

The group formed after state and national officials said the best way to contain COVID-19 is to limit contact with others. They advise people to go home and stay there. But we still have to go out to buy groceries or meals or medicine.

What if you can’t? What if you are elderly and have a chronic health problem? Public health officials say this critical group might face severe consequences if they go out and become infected.

Holly Stover, a specialist with Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, explained that some elderly neighbors are unable, or are afraid, to venture outside and must depend on relatives or friends to do these errands. Those with no one to rely on can now turn to a group of community volunteers and local public safety agencies.

The police and fire departments are partnering with BRCRC by working with pharmacies and markets to provide a local delivery service.

Stover and Hasch are recruiting volunteers to help staff this effort. You can sign up to help by going to the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council’s Facebook page.

If you need help, you can find it by calling Holly Stover at BRCRC at 207-350-747. You could also call the BRCRC community navigator, Hannah Corkum, at 207-350-1743. Boothbay Harbor Police can be reached at 633-5616.