NJ Teacher Becomes 'COVID ANGEL' To Find Vaccines For The Elderly

CHESTER, NJ - When Chester resident and middle school teacher Heather McCarthy saw that elderly members of her community were struggling to find COVID-19 vaccinations, she offered more than thoughts and prayers, she stepped up and took action.

"I read an article on Yahoo News titled 'COVID Angels help seniors book vaccination appointments' and knew this was something needed in our community," McCarthy told Patch.

McCarthy, a mother of two active teenage girls, had already gone through the process of helping loved ones obtain the much sought after inoculation.

"I was given a hint that the Byram Shop Rite was giving appointments, so I went and got in a long line of senior citizens and was able to secure appointments for my parents and diabetic brother," she said.

Noting that she posted the link to social media asking her community to join her, McCarthy said the response was quick.

"Immediately I had dozens of comments from people willing to help," she said.

One of those willing to help, was Heather Hearon, who began a Facebook page, Chester NJ COVID Volunteers, and created a Google form to gather info from seniors and a spreadsheet to list people in need along with their information.

From there, the Heathers united with Simone Campbell who started a Gmail account for the intake of information.

"And most importantly, I was able to partner with St. Lawrence in Chester who allows us to use their hotline for seniors who are not on Facebook to call and connect with us," McCarthy said.

The team gathers the relevant info, partner them with one of their numerous volunteers, who are trained by Shannon Rossi, and after they work their angel magic, usually have an appointment scheduled within a couple of days, McCarthy said.

"Our volunteers stay up to all hours waiting for open appointments to drop around the state, hoping to scoop them up for one of our volunteers. Our mission is to assist Chester residents, although we have helped many outside of our community, to secure an appointment for the COVID vaccine," McCarthy said. "We primarily help those who find the process daunting as you need advanced computer skills, outside tips, and a lot of patience, so for the most part we are working with our senior citizens."

McCarthy, an educator who works in Madison, noted that the group will now be assisting teachers within the community now that they are eligible.

Anyone who needs help can access the Google form on the volunteer website, or they can call the hotline and leave a message.

"One of the Heathers or Simone calls back to get the info and match them with a volunteer," McCarthy said.

For her part, McCarthy said the goal of the project is simple.

"Our goal is to help those who don't have the tech-savvy or know how to help themselves," she said.

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