SAN ANTONIO – On the West Aspect since 1917, the mission of the Home of Neighborly Service has grown much more essential throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The social service nonprofit’s govt director, Sandra Morales, stated demand has doubled for the freshly made meals ready 4 days every week for seniors, probably the most susceptible members of its group.

“In January, we served 400 meals. Final month, it was 800 meals,” Morales stated.

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Since seniors are at highest threat of dying or problems from COVID-19, Morales stated purchasers are afraid to depart their houses or being close to massive crowds.

“It’s arduous to enter the shops,” stated Hermandina Carrizales, who got here to choose up her meal.

Requested what she considered the meal ready by two of the nonprofit’s workers, Carrizales stated, “Oh, it is superb.”

Morales stated senior residents can choose up meals Tuesday via Friday.

Different workers ship meals to purchasers, who’re quarantined at house, don’t have transportation or can’t drive.

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With out volunteers, the nonprofit can solely ship meals Tuesday via Thursday.

“We’re in search of volunteers to assist with that,” Morales stated.

Funded via non-public donations and grants, Morales stated the Home of Neighborly Service additionally wants extra monetary help as meals costs and demand develop throughout the pandemic, for the sake of purchasers like Steve Guzman.

“I’m simply grateful to God for this place, and hopefully, they’ll proceed for a very long time,” Guzman stated.

COVID-19, the respiratory illness brought on by the brand new virus, stands for coronavirus illness 2019. The illness first appeared in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, however unfold all over the world in early 2020, inflicting the World Well being Group to declare a pandemic in March. The primary case confirmed within the U.S. was in mid-January and the primary case confirmed in San Antonio was in mid-February.

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