Coronavirus Vaccine Helpers: Glenview Group Finds Appointments

GLENVIEW, IL — Glenview resident Amanda Gregory was watching a news story about a Vaccine Angels group in Florida that was helping people find COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Between seeing that and then experiencing firsthand how frustrating the whole process is when she tried to book one for her mother, Gregory knew she wanted to do something to assist people locally in the Glenview area.

"Amanda is so humble and just truly wants to help others get access to the vaccine," said Amy Kwilosz of Glenview, who is also volunteering with Gregory. "It hasn’t been an easy year for anybody, but she is coordinating a small team of volunteers who are wanting to help bridge the gap between technology and appointment access."

Two weeks ago, Gregory and Kwilosz started helping North Shore residents book appointments. To date, the small group of volunteers have already assisted more than 200 people.

"The booking systems just aren't designed for the people who need the vaccine the most," Gregory said. "Teachers were up at all hours of the night trying to find vaccine appointments and then trying to teach during the day; seniors had no idea where to start."

While Gregory and the volunteers got rolling, she saw the Chicago Vaccine Hunters Facebook group really take off. That group includes more than 41,000 members. The success of that group has helped motivate Gregory.

"There's a lot of good happening in that group, and some great information to be found. Our group is just more homegrown," Gregory said. "Most of the people who contact us are just a degree or two removed from knowing one of us. We've reached out to our churches, to senior groups, temples, the food pantry ... to let them know we're here to help."

No New Coronavirus Deaths Last 2 Weeks In Glenview

What originally started as a goal of helping 100 people total has skyrocketed for the group. The Glenview residents have learned some tricks to booking appointments throughout the experience.

"Persistence, fast finger, communication and luck," Kwilosz said. "Our group shares text messages when we hear about openings. The larger the radius you are willing to consider, the more options you’ll have."

Gregory said that whenever it has seemed as if the number of people on the list waiting to be helped has grown so large that it looks like it has gotten away from the group, they seem to get lucky in booking many appointments in chunks.

She admits the vaccine supply will catch up with the demand in the near future, thus ending the need for the group's services.

"We've all met some terrific people through this, and I think they know we're here for them if they need other help," Gregory said.

Not surprisingly, the response has been overwhelmingly positive from those who have gotten their vaccine appointments set up by the volunteers.

"They are so relieved, so excited, so grateful, sometimes very moved," Gregory said. "Some people are so happy to know that they'll be able to hug their grandkids again."

If you’re from the Glenview area, and want to learn more and request assistance from Gregory and her small group of volunteers, email glenviewvaccinehelpers@gmail.com.

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