Yuma Proving Ground Commissary looking for volunteers to shop for those that cannot

Photo By Ana Henderson | Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) now has another way to help your neighbor, the program is called the Agent Shopping Volunteer. The program involves volunteers shopping at YPG commissary for those who cannot shop for themselves due to the pandemic.  

YUMA PROVING GROUND, AZ, UNITED STATES

05.11.2020

Story by Ana Henderson 

U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it for just about everyone around the world. Our normal daily activities are being restricted to help flatten the curve of the virus.

One positive result from this pandemic…it has brought to light the generosity of our community. People reaching out to help their neighbors from donating food to cleaning and protective supplies. The support for each other has been good to witness.

Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) now has another way to help your neighbor, the program is called the Agent Shopping Volunteer. The program involves volunteers shopping at YPG commissary for those who cannot shop for themselves due to the pandemic. Here at YPG volunteer shoppers and one Garrison volunteer point of contact (POC) are needed. “If we do not have a Commissary POC then the program cannot run,” explained Arlene Gentry, YPG Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

Once a Garrison POC volunteers for the position that person will coordinate the volunteer shoppers. The volunteer shoppers will receive a shopping list, do their shopping at the commissary and when it’s time to check out the cashier will call the customer for their credit card information.

While is program is new the YPG Commissary has welcomed volunteers in the past, Commissary Store Manager Randy Kreiser praises their help. “I have recently had the opportunity to be able to use voluntary help here at the YPG Commissary and I am very appreciative and thankful for the outstanding work that they provided by stocking groceries while we were very short-handed. Kudos to these three volunteers who gave so freely of their time to insure that we had replenished shelves for our Patrons to purchase.”

Those volunteers helped stock shelves after the stay at home order was announced. The Agent Shopping Volunteer program is also a result of COVID-19. It is kicking off at all Department of Defense (DOD) installations. “This program will be available while DOD is in HPCON C or D, but may be terminated at HPCON A or B,” said Rogers E. Campbell, SES Executive Director, Store Operations Group in a memo announcing the program.

While the program may be around temporarily it could make a big impact while it is in service.

“Volunteers are a very important asset during the HPCON-C to be able to assist the ones who don’t have the choice to be able to shop for themselves or our resident families that don’t have childcare as an alternative,” explains Kreiser.

Again, this program will not get off the ground without volunteers. “If you’re looking to help out your YPG family during this time, now is your opportunity,” said Gentry.

If you are interested in volunteering contact, Arlene Gentry at 928-328-2501 for details.

• Date Taken: 05.11.2020
• Date Posted: 05.12.2020 15:07
• Story ID: 369728
• Location: YUMA PROVING GROUND, AZ, US