Acton Heroes: Students Step Up Volunteer Work During Pandemic

ACTON, MA — High school volunteers with the Acton Chinese American Civic Society have been busy the past few months, not just with classes but through their efforts to help seniors in the community.

Ten student volunteers in the ACACS's youth division have been delivering food and groceries from the Acton food pantry to seniors at the Acton Senior Center and senior housing facilities. The students had been working with seniors throughout the year, helping translate and facilitate activities with them. But when the coronavirus pandemic hit, the students shifted gears to bringing vital food to seniors in need.

Dawn Wang, a member of ACACS said it was the students who brought forward the idea of delivering groceries to seniors.

"We've had a bit of a long term relationship with Acton Food Pantry," Wang said, adding that volunteers in ACACS help translate for the pantry.

Wang said she was impressed with the students initiative after they ran with the idea. The students created a spreadsheet with over 20 families who could benefit from the delivery program and worked alongside adult members to physically deliver the food, house to house.

Equip with masks and appropriate PPE, the students and adult volunteers brought each family a box of food for almost six weeks. The students took time in the evenings to deliver the food, all while adjusting to virtual learning, Wang said.

"They also took time in the evenings getting the information from the seniors," Wang said.

The student led initiative brought meals to dozens of seniors in a time they needed it most. Wang said the students are more than deserving of the "Acton Hero" designation.