Osseo family starts program to feed senior citizens during COVID-19 pandemic
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COVID-19 is a threat to our most vulnerable populations, and in Osseo, the community is making sure senior citizens stay safe while not going hungry.
"Our restaurant is closed, so we need something. When we are giving to our seniors and they are so happy, it fills you, it brings you back to life," said Cathy Lynde, who co-owns Lynde’s Restaurant and Catering with her husband, Mark.
The Lyndes started the "WE CARE" program when they knew they needed to protect their older family members.
"We called Mark’s dad and said you know, we are going to send you on a vacation, and he got all excited, and we said to your house. We are quarantining you," Lynde said.
The couple told Mark’s dad they would bring him meals every day, but Cathy had an even bigger idea.
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"When I was driving back, I was thinking about the other seniors, and we have a lot here in Osseo," she said.
The Lynde family looked at their finances and decided to deliver free meals to senior citizens in the community every day.
"I don’t know how that got out, that we were putting out our money, but it just blew up and we started getting amazing donations," Lynde said.
From community members to organizations, more than $48,000 has been raised so far. The Osseo Lions Club donated $5,000 alone.
"We are going to be able to feed the seniors for a few weeks, with good quality food. They are going to get their meats, their fruits, their veggies and we snuck in some cookies today."
The program is for Osseo residents who are 65 and older. Volunteers will drop off two meals a day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Right now, the "WE CARE" program is delivering food to almost all of the senior homes in Osseo as well as residential homes. Organizers say if you are unable to bend down, leave a small table or chair outside of your door where they can place the meals. Volunteers will knock to make sure you get your food while standing a safe distance away.
If you are a senior and have questions about the program, call one of the program directors at 763-712-0987.
Organizers are accepting donations. You can call that same number. An account has also been set up at Premier Bank Osseo.
The Lynde family says the goal is to deliver free meals to seniors for as long as they are able.