When a 90-year-old missed trash pickup, garbage worker's keen observation led to her life-saving rescue
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people faced unprecedented challenges, especially the elderly who were isolated and had limited access to essentials. In 2020, a small act of kindness from a local business helped save the life of a 90-year-old woman in need. Jake Bland, the operations manager at Hometown Hauling, noticed something unusual that would lead to an unexpected but heartwarming outcome, per WDRB.
When Bland saw that one of his regular customers had not put out her trash for more than two weeks, he suspected something was not right. Instead of ignoring the small detail, Bland had dispatch reach out to the woman. That is when Bernice Arthur, a member of the Hometown Hauling team, learned the heartbreaking truth. "She just didn't have anything to eat," Arthur said, realizing that the elderly woman, who had no family nearby, was struggling to survive without food. She had been unable to leave her home to get groceries for over two weeks due to the pandemic.
A study by the National Library of Medicine found that food insecurity among older adults became more widespread during the early COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those with disabilities and financial struggles. The report further shares that to help, there should be more efforts to screen for food insecurity and assist them with enrolling in programs like SNAP (food assistance).
Another study by BMC Geriatrics published last year looked at 3,375 adults aged 60 plus with incomes up to three times the federal poverty level. It shared that around 8% of people experienced marginal food security, while 12% faced food insecurity. Food insecurity was linked to poor physical health, mental health, and anxiety, with stronger effects in women. Those facing food insecurity reported more days of physical and mental health challenges.
Moved by the woman’s plight, Hometown Hauling decided to help. Bland helped gather a list of groceries, went shopping, and personally delivered everything to the woman, whom they called "Mrs. W." "She has no family, nobody," Arthur said, adding, "I said, 'You do have a family now.'" The company covered all costs, ensuring Mrs. W. had the food she desperately needed. Arthur reflected, "Had we not reached out to her — she wasn't reaching out to anyone." Their efforts not only brought food but also a message of care and community support that they hope others will take to heart.
In another heartfelt story during the pandemic, an 87-year-old woman in Florence found herself without food and no one to help her. Feeling desperate, she called the police for assistance. Two officers responded, entering her home with the help of a neighbor. They quickly went to work preparing a meal of ravioli with sauce for her. The woman, unable to leave her bed due to illness, was simply overjoyed. The officers served her the meal, and she smiled in her wheelchair, grateful for their kindness. The story, shared by the State Police of Italy on Instagram under the handle @poliziadistato, shows how help can come from unexpected places, especially in times of need.