FREE ACCESS: Local business helping residents during pandemic

Thursday, April 16, 2020
Welch & Cornett Certified Grief Counselor Nichole Hawkins arrives on a porch to deliver groceries.
Courtesy photo

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.

Comments
View 4 comments
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
  • That’s sooo cool

    -- Posted by hellomisskitty66 on Thu, Apr 16, 2020, at 8:37 PM
  • AWESOME PEOPLE !!!! STAY SAFE !!!

    -- Posted by CRAZEDFAN101232 on Thu, Apr 16, 2020, at 9:47 PM
  • This is very nice and helpful. Thank you.It would be nice if someone also would run to Walmart and a few other places. I think someone could start be a personal shopper in this area.

    -- Posted by pitdude on Thu, Apr 16, 2020, at 9:52 PM
  • Great job during this trying time!!!!

    -- Posted by purdue65lady on Mon, Apr 20, 2020, at 2:03 AM
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: