Smyrna Police Are Picking Up Groceries: GA Coronavirus

SMYRNA, GA — The Smyrna Police Department is lending a hand during the coronavirus pandemic. Officers have been volunteering to help pick up and deliver groceries from community residents 62 and older who are experiencing hardships and can’t get there themselves.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the agency started the initiative this week following the White House Coronavirus Task Force’s recommendation that people avoid both pharmacies and grocery stores over the next two weeks.

This effort is a part of the Support Smyrna initiative, which also allows people to make donations to help purchase grocery store gift cards or pay a utility bill.

Mayor Derek Norton told the AJC that as of Tuesday, more than $50,000 had already been contributed towards the project.

“Holistically, this community is really coming together to help neighbors in need,” he said. “I’m overwhelmed with the support.”

To be eligible for the grocery store and pharmacy delivery service, residents have to be 62 years of age or older and/or have a hardship situation such as an underlying health condition. They can call in or order online, their grocery or pharmacy order at the following participating merchants:

• Publix (Smyrna S. Cobb Drive store)
• Kroger (Smyrna S. Cobb Drive store)
• Walmart (Cobb Parkway at Terrell Mill Road)
• Walgreens/CVS (Smyrna stores)

Before placing the order, they should call the department first to check the delivery schedule. Once the order is ready and available to be picked up, call Officer Taylor Elliott at 678-816-8396 or Sgt. L. Defense at 404-661-6699 with order details and they will pick up and deliver the items for free.

The officers won’t do any personal shopping or handle the items once they are picked up. They must be paid for in advance.

The officers will wear personal protective equipment and use disinfectant spray and hand sanitizer, according to the news outlet.