Teens start free delivery service for seniors in Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh and Seaford

Two local teenagers are taking it upon themselves to ensure seniors and the high-risk community in Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh and Seaford have the grocery supplies they need during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Dorfman, 16, and Lauren Horn, 17, both Bellmore residents and juniors at John F. Kennedy High School, founded the Nassau County chapter of Community Against Covid-19. Tuesday marked the first day the pair ventured to a supermarket to pick up orders and set out for deliveries — without collecting any profits themselves.

The service is an alternative to applications and websites that allow users to grocery shop from their homes, which Dorfman and Horn said seniors might have difficulty using. Those in need of food deliveries can simply call or text them their order. They plan to complete shipments every Tuesday and Saturday.

“We’re low-risk for contracting symptoms,” said Dorfman, “so we thought we should get out there in a safe way to help older and immunocompromised residents who might be afraid to get out of the house.”

“A quick phone call and sending us a list is just easier for [seniors],” Horn said. “We wanted to help now that we have so much time on our hands.”

The duo followed recommended safety procedures on Tuesday by wearing gloves and masks and leaving grocery bags on front stoops. The precautions will continue as they make more deliveries, Dorfman said.

To submit an order any day of the week, text your name, grocery list, address and phone number to Dorfman at (516) 510-7943 or Horn at (516) 509-2274. They ask for orders to be submitted before 1 p.m. on days of delivery.

Payments for deliveries can be made via the application Venmo or with cash, with the option of a four percent donation fee to Montefiore Health System’s Covid-19 Foundation.

Dorfman also noted that they would be accommodating by going to residents’ preferred supermarkets or making deliveries on different days of the week.

Although they are currently only a two-person team, Dorfman and Horn said they hope to expand operations in the future. Interested teens — preferably those with a license and available car — can contact Dorfman or Horn.

“We’re hoping this gets so big we’ll need volunteers from all around Nassau County,” Dorfman said.