CHRISTOPHER (WSIL) -- COVID-19 has been hard on communities across the globe but in some ways it's brought out the best in us. Many folks are stepping up to help their neighbors during these difficult times.
Christopher Elementary School may no longer be filled with students, but volunteers are working hard to make sure they're still fed.
"Our school's all free breakfast and lunch and our families, everybody laid off, they need it. I mean they're looking forward to it so it helps the community. It help the parents a lot. We've had a lot of people call and say it's just been so helpful," says Food Service Director Tricia Calloni.
Five different bus routes are now driven daily to drop off food to students, over 600 meals a day and it takes alot of work.
"There's alot that goes into making sure each cup has enough in it and then lidding it in the boxes, packing each individual bus bag. It does take a lot. It's an organized chaos," explains Sacha Cobin, a Cook at the school.
They're not only helping students, they have a sixth route to help seniors who can't leave their homes.
"My favorite part is the senior delivery. It is a true blessing to see their faces light up and they know when you're coming," says Teacher Katie Pettit.
"It is the greatest thing because a lot of us people that live here are either handicapped or can't go to the store or have underlying conditions," says resident Paul Reynolds.
The deliveries also give folks some much needed social interaction.
"I just like getting to see people just like the kids and everyone else that can't get out and about. You miss seeing people so it's nice getting out, seeing faces," says Teacher Bethany Simpson.
"It gets lonely when you're stuck at home. You see smiling faces everyday and when they come they always have the added attraction of a smile and they say hey here's you meal. Nobody does that anymore but these people do. These people have gone out of their way to make sure that we're taken care off," adds Reynolds.
Calloni says they will continue to deliver meals through May 22nd which would be the last day of school. Their summer food program will begin in June.
