As people worldwide adapt to strict “stay home” orders meant to stem the spread of COVID-19, Camas Public Library staff have established a call center to connect those in need of medicine or grocery pickups — or even just a friendly voice on the other end of the phone line — with volunteers willing to help.
“It’s almost like an old-fashioned bulletin board,” said Camas Library Director Connie Urquhart of the library’s new call center. “There are so many people out there who want to help … with this system, they can volunteer to pick up groceries, pick up medicine or just be somebody to talk to on the phone.”
The program launched Thursday and mailers have gone out to about 95 percent of Camas households with the library’s “call center” number: 360-382-1300.
“This is neighbors helping neighbors,” Urquhart told Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell in a video posted to the city’s YouTube channel. “Camas is about community and the library wants to help facilitate that.”
The mayor came up with the idea and approached Urquhart last week to see if library staff could figure out a way to connect Camas residents in need with volunteers — without requiring residents to go online or use social media.