Forest Hills Coronavirus Relief Group Helping Neighbors In Need

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — As New Yorkers work to adapt to the rules and restrictions put in place to combat the growing COVID-19 pandemic, Forest Hills residents are stepping up to provide food, supplies and conversation to neighbors in need.

The Coronavirus Relief Initiative is a directory of 40-plus local volunteers who can help seniors and other neighbors who are staying inside to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19, the name for the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

Volunteers will run errands, drop off food — and even hop on the phone to provide emotional support to anyone who has gotten lonely while they're stuck at home.

Local preservationist Michael Perlman, who runs the Facebook group Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens - "Our Communities," put together the list after his March 13 Facebook post calling for volunteers garnered nearly 200 comments.

To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in Forest Hills, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.

"I feel that volunteering, especially in a time of great challenge, is my obligation," Perlman said in a phone interview.

"As coronavirus cases surge, lending a helping hand as a community is essential," Perlman added in an emailed statement. "Individual efforts collectively add up, and as we partner, we form a team."

The American Legion Continental Post #1424 in Forest Hills has also joined the effort and will serve as both a collection site and a meeting point for volunteers who want to pick up supplies to deliver to community members who can't leave home.

To volunteer or to request assistance, neighbors should send their name and contact information to Michael Perlman at unlockthevault@hotmail.com.

Coronavirus In NYC: What's Happened And What You Need To Know