CHEER senior services coping with COVID-19

CHEER Inc., the largest senior services agency in Sussex County, has closed its senior centers and canceled activities following the governor’s orders to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

However, it continues to feed Meals On Wheels recipients and provide personal assistance services to its senior clients.

CHEER’s central kitchen is still preparing hot meals each day, as well as food that can be packed and frozen for future use.

Staff members have suspended their regular duties to help pack 1,000 stable boxed meals that were delivered by dedicated volunteers to provide a 14-day supply of emergency food for senior clients. 

“Our priority remains keeping seniors safe and healthy in their homes,” said Ken Bock, CHEER’s chief executive officer.

In the latest development of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting seniors, CHEER has announced that as of Friday, April 3, its Sand Hill Adult Day Care Program will close until further notice. “We are sorry to have to take this next step that will help maintain the safety of our customers, but continuing developments of the virus make it necessary,” said Bock.

Volunteers are still needed at CHEER to deliver meals. All volunteers are instructed to leave meals at the door and remain six feet back from the senior’s home entrance. All other safety precautions and restrictions are being strictly enforced at CHEER. For more information for volunteers, call CHEER at 302-515-3040.