RATHDRUM — Rhonda Story found about 10 minutes when she could leave the Rathdrum Senior Center to walk home and take a break Wednesday.

Then, it was back to it.

“Our numbers are growing by the minute,” the senior center director said.

By numbers she meant more calls for help. More calls for donations. More calls for volunteers.

“We knew it was going to snowball,” Story said.

The Rathdrum Senior Center has launched an emergency response team to reach seniors at home. About 20 volunteers are offering to deliver food, supplies and other necessities to those who don’t want to venture out due to coronavirus concerns.

It has also launched a drive-thru meal pickup program that starts next week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Since announcing the new service Tuesday night, Story has received many calls for help.

The center, which has closed at its Montana Street site, is a popular gathering point for those over 60. It generally has about 75 seniors come for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and about 50 for weekly bingo.

But it is short of supplies.

It needs donations of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, canned food, bread, bottled water and money to keep up with demand. Other items it could use are soap, pet food, gloves, and batteries.

Volunteers are also needed.

“We’re trying to be proactive and get out there,” Story said.

Rathdrum resident Steve Cardoza is getting involved. He heard the senior center needed help and called Story.

“What do you need?” he asked.

Cardoza, a longtime volunteer, is donating and asking others to do the same. He recommended everyone “calm down and start thinking of others.”

Story said that when the Rathdrum Senior Center had to shut down, she knew they had to do more to meet the needs of the area’s elderly.

Story said she continues to hear from seniors who need to self-quarantine and can’t go out to buy groceries or medication, so a team was created to reach them.

It didn’t take long for a core volunteer team to come on board and offer to make deliveries and grocery store runs.

“We know who needs the help,” she said.

Story has been director of the Rathdrum Senior Center a few years. This, without a doubt, she said, has been her biggest challenge.

She’s proud of how people have stepped up.

“I’m blessed by a great community,” she said.

Donations are being accepted at the senior center, 8037 Montana St., or they can be mailed to P.O. Box 508, Rathdrum, ID 83858

Info: 687-2028, [email protected]