DENVER — A snowstorm is on its way and two Denver women are helping connect strangers to those in need, no matter if they need their driveway shoveled, groceries delivered, or help with any other problems as many quarantine themselves during the novel coronavirus crisis.
Last Friday, Jennifer Lisiecki and Becky Christensen launched the Facebook page, “Help Needed in Denver COVID-19.” Within one day, more than 1,000 people joined the group and it’s now grown to nearly 5,000 members, Lisiecki said.
“Humanity at it’s finest — we are seeing so many people not knowing each other just jump right in and help,” she said.
The biggest needs are groceries, cleaning products and mental support.
On Thursday afternoon, Christensen packed groceries to deliver to a family of four while Lisiecki rounded up volunteers online to clear snow that's expected to accumulate Friday.
“We put out a call to action today to try to get people to help with the snowstorm,” Lisiecki said. “So far, we have over 20 comments of people volunteering to help shovel and deliver groceries in the snow.”
Lisiecki said people in Denver, Thornton, Broomfield and Lakewood offered their time. She is asking anyone who wants to volunteer to bring their own shovel and communicate with the homeowner through the window to prevent any potential exposure to COVID-19.
“I’ve broken down and cried quite a few times on the things we have seen on the page," Christensen said. "It just fills me with so much hope in such a dark time,”
She said it’s important for her to help because one day she may find herself in need of assistance.
As for Lisiecki, she said this is her way of paying it forward. Nearly two years ago, she suffered a brain injury.
“I was unable to talk very well, had a little bit of a stutter, wasn’t able to walk, see depths very well,” she recalled.
The said the love and support she received changed her perception of life and she quit her job.
“The kindness that was given to me made me want to quit my job and try to save the world,” Lisiecki said.
She said she doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
“I wanted to make the world a better place and now we have the support of the community to do so,” she said.
As people become unemployed, many are asking about alternate jobs and local resources. She is asking anyone who can help to join the conversation on their Facebook page.
Residents can also request help shoveling snow through Snow Angeles, which is run by the city.