Can't leave to get groceries amid the coronavirus outbreak? These CSU grad students want to help

While classes have moved online and service projects have shut down due to the new coronavirus, a handful of Colorado State graduate students are taking the extra time to help their neighbors.

Emma McKay, Audrey Snyder and Marya Skotte, all MBA students in the CSU Global Social & Sustainable Enterprise program, have started a "neighbors helping neighbors" group to assist people who can't or shouldn't leave their homes during the outbreak to pick up essential goods.

A team of volunteers with the newly formed Fort Collins Delivery Network will pick up groceries, prescriptions or other supplies for older people, immunocompromised or ill residents within Fort Collins.The group is in offshoot of the Denver Delivery Network, according to its website.

Deliveries can be dropped at the doorstep to maintain social distancing and protect the health of all involved.

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The Global Social & Sustainable Enterprise program focuses on social impact, entrepreneurship, finding a challenge and finding something to solve that problem, Skotte said. "We are taking everything we've learned and applying it to real life in a pandemic."

"This has been the perfect way for us to use our time and skills to make a difference," said McKay, formerly of Seattle. "We're just a network of grad students looking to make an impact."

As of Wednesday, the group hadn't had its first order. Here's how it will work for those who want to take advantage of the free service:

Through the website www.fortcollinsdeliverynetwork.org, residents can leave a specific order — under $150 — including their preferred grocery store, pay for the order online or donate to the cause. Only donations under $300 are being accepted.

While the network is set up to operate through its website, the group acknowledges some of its potential customers may not have computers or be computer savvy, including using payment sites like Venmo and PayPal.

Customers can also call 970-305-5880 and volunteers will fill out the order for them. Cash payments will also be accepted for groceries or prescriptions.

Because it was organized quickly in response to the pandemic, the organization is not a nonprofit and donations are not tax deductible, McKay said. "We are full-time students not getting paid just doing our best."

Any donations left over after the pandemic will be donated to Food Bank for Larimer County.

Donations will go toward: ensuring the network has enough money to reimburse volunteers in case a neighbor is unable to pay for the supplies they deliver; technology and fees for website maintenance; reimbursing volunteers for gas; and subsidizing orders for those who may be struggling financially.

Volunteers and individuals in need can apply and order at www.fortcollinsdeliverynetwork.org.

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Pat Ferrier is a senior reporter covering business, health care and growth issues in Northern Colorado. Contact her at patferrier@coloradoan.com.