In April, towards the beginning of the shutdown, Melinda King was talking to a friend about how her elderly mother was still risking trips to the grocery store. They worried about her potential exposure to COVID-19, especially considering she was high risk. King realized her sons could potentially help them out by picking up the groceries for them. She proposed the idea to her son, Matthew Warnock, who agreed.
“Once I was in the car about to leave she came outside with a big smile on her face and said how thankful she was and that made me feel really good so we decided we this could be an opportunity to help even more people.” Warnock said.
They came up with the name N.E.A.D.S. – Neighborly Errand and Delivery Service.
N.E.A.D.S. seeks to help anyone at high risk of catching or being affected by COVID-19 , especially the elderly.
They got word out by posting on Facebook and putting up flyers with contact information. Those interested in using the service could call or text 940-453-1660. Users would text an address and grocery list, then Matthew or his brother, Mitchell Warnock, would buy the groceries and drop them off, usually without seeing them personally. They picked up a check for the groceries but the delivery was completely free.
Since their first run on April 6th, they went to help 44 people.Recently, as things are opening up again, they “don’t get as many runs as usual, but are still happy to do it.” The service is still available for anyone who wants it, or is still hesitant to go out.
The N.E.A.D.S. program is not the only service for them either. For those whose problem is with being able to afford their meals, Denton ISD also has food available.
As of September 28th, DISD is providing free breakfast and lunch to every student with a Denton school ID.
This is available for everyone including face to face, hybrid students, and connected learners Hybrid students can pick up the next day’s meals at the end of the school day, and connected learners can pick up five-day meal bundles (10 meals total.
The connected learner meal bundles are to be picked up at Alexander, Bell, Borman and Nelson elementary schools on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 PM. People must show IDs for each student receiving meals, and are asked to stay in their cars during that time to make it easier for volunteers.
