FREE ACCESS: Local business helping residents during pandemic
A Greene County business, Walton Funeral Service, which operates funeral homes in Linton, Worthington and Spencer, has created a service for residents in the communities it serves.
Owner Todd Walton and Certified Grief Counselor Nichole Hawkins had a conversation recently after noticing people out picking up groceries who appeared as though they would be better off at home, in keeping with social distancing requirements.
“I just noticed people shopping that you would worry about being out,” said Hawkins. “I wondered if their kids live out of town or work where they aren’t able to help their family with picking up groceries.”
It made Hawkins think these people could use a service that would pick up groceries for them and drop them off at their homes, negating their need to go out.
Hawkins mentioned her concern to Walton.
“It was ironic when Nichole mentioned this to me,” Walton said. “I had the same thoughts and concerns. We decided this was something we could do for people during this stay-at-home period, as another way to help people.”
The two hatched a plan and, in cooperation with grocery stores in each of the three communities, have begun a free grocery delivery service to assist those who are most at risk when they venture out into the public, including the elderly and those with preexisting conditions.
“We have seen the need for extra care and assistance for those who are not able to get out and get essential items due to being immunocompromised or having certain health risks that make it dangerous to go out and purchase items on their own,” Walton said. “Our goal is to keep everyone involved as safe as possible, so our employee who we assign to pick up and deliver groceries will not be allowed to enter your home, and will wear proper masks and gloves for protection. There will be a limited number of deliveries per day to help the stores keep up with the demand of other customers as well.”
The service will be provided in Linton every Monday, in Worthington every Wednesday and in Spencer every Thursday.
“Save-a-Lot in Linton and the Worthington Country Market both graciously provide a service where an individual can call ahead, place an order and pay for their groceries over the phone using a credit card. Save-a-Lot does not allow the pay by phone option, but does accept credit or debit cards, checks or cash at the time of pick up. That can be arranged with our employee who will be delivering your items,” Walton said. “In Spencer, Babb’s Supermarket also takes orders over the phone and will accept credit and debit card payments by telephone.”
To utilize this free service in Linton, Worthington or Spencer, contact the Walton Funeral Home located in the area to let them know you are interested. You will then be responsible for calling the applicable grocery store, creating your order and paying over the phone if permitted and you so choose. You must first contact the funeral home before placing your grocery order. Walton’s will pick up your order and deliver to your home on your front porch or the outside area you specify.
Walton employees will not physically enter the store, and therefore will not be held responsible for any order issues. Due to high demand, Walton’s will not be able to make multiple trips due to order discrepancies.
“We sincerely hope that this service will help those in need, and we are honored to serve the people of these wonderful communities,” Walton added.
Funeral Home numbers
Linton (Welch & Cornett) and Worthington (Welch & Cornett) 812-847-2986
Spencer (West & Parrish & Pedigo) 812-829-2791
Grocery store numbers
Linton Save-a-Lot 812 847-8300 - accepts credit and debit cards in person, cash or checks. Mondays.
Worthington Country Market 812-875-2031 - accepts credit and debit cards over the phone, cash and checks. Wednesdays.
Spencer Babb’s Supermarket 812-829-2231 - accepts credit and debit cards over the phone, cash and checks. Thursdays.