By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – In times such as these, right in our own communities people have proven that the good side of humanity prevails.
In Shrewsbury, an ad hoc Facebook group has sprung up to help those in need.
The group “Coronavirus Quarantine – Who Needs Assistance in Shrewsbury or Nearby” urges anyone needing help during self-quarantines or social distancing to contact them and they will do their best to help.
Organized by local Realtor Andrea Castinetti, the site is basically a resource where people can come together, those who can help and those who need it.
“I wanted to create a group where people felt comfortable asking for help if needed and where people can volunteer. We have an amazing group already of hundreds and I just created it a few days ago,” she noted. “We have some great doctors and nurses who are there to offer their advice. It’s truly amazing to see so many people come together in times like these.”
Castinetti has assembled a leadership crew who are also organizing food drives. Vikram Chabbra, a member of the Shrewsbury Finance Committee, is among them.
“I contacted the director of Council on Aging, Hollie Lucht,” he explained. “I reached out to her to make a connection with the Facebook efforts to help seniors. I believe that they are the most vulnerable and forgotten members of our society who will be affected most adversely by social distancing.”
With this in mind, the Shrewsbury Housing Authority is accepting non-perishable food and personal hygiene products as follows: the Towers at 36 North Quinsigamond Ave., Mondays at 12 p.m.; Elizabeth Gardens, 11 Elizabeth St., Wednesdays at 12 p.m.; and Francis Gardens 24 Francis Ave., Fridays at 12 p.m.
Those making donations are asked to leave them in boxes outside the main lobbies on the specified days. Call 508-757-0323 if there are any questions.
St. Anne’s Food Pantry at St. Anne’s Catholic Church is also in need of gift cards to local grocery stores to supplement their food assistance program. Gift cards in any amount may be dropped off in the Rectory’s mailbox or mailed to 130 Boston Turnpike Road, Shrewsbury.
The Facebook group also urges people to reach out to their friends and neighbors who are house-bound and to people in nursing homes and in hospitals that cannot receive visitors.
Castinetti shared that the group is hosting a “Share the Love Food Drive,” collecting canned goods and non-perishable food that can be dropped off, any time of the day, at her office located at 745 Main St., Shrewsbury. For more information, phone 508-719-8804.
“We need to stick together in these troubled times,” Chabbra stated.
