US Women Soccer Youth player delivers groceries for needy during COVID-19 pandemic

Los Altos seniors Greg Corn and Kayleen Gowers are delivering groceries to neighbors in need, for free, during the Bay Area shelter in place order. Los Altos seniors Greg Corn and Kayleen Gowers are delivering groceries to neighbors in need, for free, during the Bay Area shelter in place order. Photo: Courtesy San Jose Earthquakes Photo: Courtesy San Jose Earthquakes Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close US Women Soccer Youth player delivers groceries for needy during COVID-19 pandemic 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Kayleen Gowers felt she had to do something. As the Bay Area-wide shelter-in-place order took effect, the Los Altos High School senior wanted to help those in need in her community.

Before the coronavirus pandemic shut down daily life in the Bay Area, one of Gower's most significant challenges was excelling on the soccer pitch as a player for San Jose Earthquakes Academy. Her skills on the field earned her a call up to the Under-18 United States Women's Soccer Team and a scholarship to Princeton University next fall.

But now sheltered at home with her family, she wanted to contribute to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. For assistance, she reached out to her friend, fellow Los Altos senior Greg Corn.

"We were empathizing with those that can't leave their homes and are really affected during this time," she explained.

Together they came up with the idea to deliver groceries, for free, to elderly neighbors in Los Altos and Mountain View.

Because of the shelter-in-place order, many older people, especially those in need and at risk to the COVID-19 virus, are unable to leave their homes safely.

"Those people that are much more at risk and the stakes are much higher," she said. "I was putting myself in their shoes and understand where they are coming from. A lot of them are probably scared and feel a little bit alone. That's where I got the idea for grocery runs."

They created a post on Nextdoor, an app that connects people to their neighbors online, and offered grocery delivery for elderly neighbors. People then filled out a Google form of what they wanted and where and when to deliver their orders.

Their post gained traction, and they started to receive four to five orders a day.

Every day, the two friends meet up early in the morning and then head to local grocery stores with their clients' shopping lists. After shopping for three to four hours, using hand sanitizers before and after each order, they then deliver the groceries to their homes. They send a text and drop off the food on the doorstep of their customer's home. Payment for the orders are completed either by venmo, paypal, cash, or check.

At first, many people were surprised they offered to pick up groceries for no delivery fee.

"I think its a question we get a lot because people expect us to charge," said Corn. When they do receive a tip for their services, they have decided to donate their proceeds to One Fair Wage, a site where people can give for tipped and service workers struggling during the shelter-in-place order.

During their first few days shopping, Gowers and Corn had to wake up well before dawn to be at the grocery store when the doors opened at six in the morning. "People were stocking up in the beginning, so everything was gone off the shelves by eight a.m.," said Corn. "That was brutal."

"Now we get to sleep in a little bit more," added Gowers with a smile, noting that they now usually start their shopping after eight in the morning.

The two feel that even more important than the physical act of delivering the groceries is to remind people who are isolated that they are not alone.

"Just letting them know that we are here for them and our community cares for them," added Gowers. "That makes it worthwhile."

"There are so many ways to get creative with helping people out," she continued. "It can be just as simple as 'Hey, I'm going to the grocery store, do you need anything?'" Gowers said. The duo is also collecting unused respiratory masks and supplies to deliver to hospitals.

The two plan to continue delivering groceries as long as there is a demand.

"I really like it," said Corn. "Not only are we helping people out, were having a good time."

"It gets us out of the house," added Gowers. "We're happy to be doing it."

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Online Photo Editor Douglas Zimmerman oversees SFGATE's Instagram and covers the Bay Area soccer scene on SFGATE's Beautiful Blog. View his latest stories and send him news tips at dzimmerman@sfgate.com.