Up to 250 Lathrop seniors will soon be getting much-needed necessities and supplies to help keep them safe during the pandemic.
On Monday the Lathrop City Council approved a request by staff to allocate up to $54,500 worth of funding from the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Securities Act (CARES) for the creation and distribution of 250 Every Day Essentials and COVID-19 bundles – the cost of which will be reimbursed through the grant.
The kits will include toiletry items like bar soap, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a nail kit, toilet paper, hand lotion, a pill organizer, and more. Specific COVD-19 pandemic items including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and rubbing alcohol will also be included.
The items will be delivered by city staff in large insulated bags that can be used for the transportation or temporary storage of perishable food items or medications that must be kept cold.
Just recently Lathrop was notified that the city was eligible for a portion of the $650,000 in CARES funding that was made available to San Joaquin County. The program will provide senior citizens with essential supplies while at the same time preventing them from having to travel outside of their home to pick-up the items – potentially put them at risk of contracting the virus that disproportionately affects older Americans in terms of complications.
The federal grant program providing the funding for the effort allows for prevention, preparation, and response for older Americans (those 60 and above) and allows for material aid, outreach, health promotion, disaster preparedness materials, information and assistance, and personal care to those that could benefit from it. The funding can also be used for other things to benefit seniors in the community.
The program is just another in Lathrop’s ongoing attempts to provide vital resources to the community during the pandemic – starting with grant programs for both small businesses and individual households to help with bills as virus restrictions went into place and adversely affected the local economy.
Lathrop has also taken steps towards preserving community functions through a digital environment and has worked to promote local businesses through city-sponsored events to help stimulate the struggling economy.
Because the item received approval from the council, Lathrop will move forward with plans to purchase the necessary items to outfit each of the 250 bundles and will seek reimbursement for its expenses.
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
