RideConnect will match volunteers with nearby clients and then allow the two parties to make their own appointments. If seniors need volunteers to go to the store for them, then the seniors or their families must make payment arrangements with the stores or give cash to the volunteers to purchase the requested items.
While RideConnect carefully screens the drivers it uses to transport the elderly, it is not screening the grocery volunteers and elderly clients are not supposed to request or accept rides from the volunteers.
“This is a use-at-your-own-risk service. We’re simply trying to help,” said Ganis. “If seniors don’t want to take that risk, they should not. These are people stepping up to help.”
To maintain adequate social distancing, it is recommended that the seniors either leave an envelope with money for the volunteer at their front door or mailbox, or that the senior pay the store directly using a credit card. When groceries are delivered, it is best that they be left outside the front door so that a senior is not exposed to any contagion risk.
Seniors can request a grocery volunteer by calling 914-242-7433. Staff at RideConnect are working remotely, so if no one answers the phone leave a voicemail mentioning requesting grocery help, along with a name, phone number and town.
Yorktown is one of primary communities served by RideConnect. In 2019 the 10-year-old program served more than 2,000 Yorktown residents.
Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater said the volunteer surge demonstrates how residents in Yorktown and surrounding communities are looking out for their neighbors.
“Since this crisis began we have urged our residents to look after each other. Offering to help our senior citizens with grocery shopping is a great way for healthy adults idled by the mass closures of workplaces to get out of the house and help a neighbor,” said Supervisor Slater. “I urge all the volunteers and seniors using this service to practice safe social distancing so that this effort leads to positive outcomes.”
RideConnect director Karen Ganis, kganis@fsw.org or 914-242-7433
Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, 914-962-5722 x201
This news is courtesy of Matt Slater and RideConnect
With our healthcare providers & first responders on the front lines tirelessly fighting the Coronavirus pandemic, and with the peak of the infection still two to three weeks away, so many residents are asking how they can help. Likewise, our residents want to help our restaurants which are struggling with the restrictions. Here’s a way to support our healthcare providers and support our local restaurants…..we are raising money to pay for meals from local restaurants which will be delivered to Northern Westchester Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital & Phelps Hospital. Participating restaurants include:
White Plains Hospital physicians, nurses, nurse technicians and staff received a special message of support from Bill and Hillary Clinton. The Clintons, residents of Chappaqua, sent a generous delivery of pizza from a local Westchester business to feed the frontline workers caring for members of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the pizza came a message – “Thank you for protecting our communities. From Bill and Hillary Clinton.” White Plains Hospital runs the busiest emergency department in Westchester County, a region that’s been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
One-stop website lists Northern Westchester restaurants’ gift-card vouchers–so customers can “buy today, eat later”
Editor’s Note: The Inside Press will publish news as it is received from various Town Halls for additional dissemination. Please reach out to Town Hall with questions. 