GMA: “Yale student leads 2,700 volunteers in helping New Yorkers”
Liam Elkind is the founder of Invisible Hands, a group of thousands of volunteers that are bringing groceries to people at high risk of contracting coronavirus. This organization is connecting “young, able-body people with those most in need during this time of crisis.” People who are 65 and older or have pre-existing conditions have a higher risk for contracting coronavirus. The founders stated that they felt inspired by our healthcare professionals who are on the front lines fighting COVID-19. Through the Invisible Hand initiative, those at a higher risk can request a delivery of groceries, medicine, and/or supplies online. The Invisible Hand volunteer will then pick up the items and deliver them for free.
The delivery is contactless, and volunteers abide by social distancing rules. Volunteers can only perform deliveries if they are feeling healthy, are displaying no symptoms, have not traveled out of the country, have not encountered a sick person in the past 14 days, and have been practicing social distancing. Currently the Invisible Hand volunteers service the greater New York area and parts of New Jersey. The need is crucial as New York has reported 242,786 cases of coronavirus. The organization is also accepting remote volunteers that can assist with customer service demands. This Invisible Hand organization is essential to local stores and restaurants as the volunteers help facilitate the continuation of orders and purchases.
Discussion Questions:
- Explain the impact of the Invisible Hand organization on the local economies in New York and New Jersey. How is this initiative impacting demand and unemployment? Explain.
- Explain the impact of the Invisible Hand organization on the health care system by allowing high risk individuals to stay safely home.
Source: GMA “Yale student leads 2,700 volunteers in helping New Yorkers”