Free delivery to elderly, medically fragile by med students grows

Hiral Patel, a second-year medical student at PCOM Georgia, delivers groceries to seniors and medically fragile individuals as part of a volunteer program she and other medical students began to help the community. (Courtesy COVID Captains)

Hiral Patel, a second-year medical student at PCOM Georgia, delivers groceries to seniors and medically fragile individuals as part of a volunteer program she and other medical students began to help the community. (Courtesy COVID Captains)

As of April 2, a group of medical students living in Suwanee and Lawrenceville had assisted more than 20 seniors and/or medically fragile individuals by delivering groceries. The COVID Captains, as they are calling themselves, have grown to a little over 40 volunteers since announcing their desire to assist the community.

To ensure their own safety and the safety of those receiving free grocery deliveries, the COVID Captains are avoiding all person to person contact. Groceries are left at the doorstep. Volunteers are monitoring their own health carefully, including keeping an eye on their temperature. Any volunteer exhibiting symptoms are asked not to participate.

According to Hiral Patel, a second-year medical student at PCOM Georgia, “The safety of our volunteers and community is our priority.”

“We just want to help as many people as possible since we have the resources. We have been trying to reach out to local grocery stores, etc. for them to tell their elderly shoppers. Overall, we have received tremendous support from the community and we really appreciate that!”

The group is providing free deliveries in Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Norcross and surrounding areas. The service is free, but those participating will need to pay the grocery bill.

Volunteer or sign-up for free deliveries: covidcaptains@gmail.com or 770-421-5637.