North Fork Coronavirus: Woman Kicks Off Free Delivery Service

NORTH FORK, NY — During a time when many seniors and others vulnerable to the new coronavirus are isolating home and in dire need of food deliveries, a local business owner has stepped up with an open heart to help.

Alexa Seuss, who owns Orenda, a fine jewelry shop in Greenport, said she was recently mandated to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"But I've never been the kind of person that likes to sit still, so I knew I needed to find a way to help those who were high risk and may not be able to access the services they need," she said.

When she heard about two-week delays in grocery delivery services including Peapod and Instacart, Seuss said she knew she could help.

So she kicked off East End Grocery, a free pandemic grocery delivery service on the North Fork.

"I was born and raised on the North Fork and I currently own a brick and mortar store in Greenport," she wrote on the page. "I'm an avid lover of all kinds of cuisine (though West African, Thai, and Persian are my favorites) and I would love to help you get the groceries you need for your family to feel safe and comfortable during these challenging times. These services are 100 percent free. If you are able to, please consider tipping. If not, no worries," she said.

Currently, Seuss delivers groceries from Orient to Aquebogue from local supermarkets and shops including Mattituck Marketplace, King Kullen, IGA, and FitFoods.

Here's how it works: All an individual hoping to place an order needs is a smartphone and an active Venmo account. "You email me your list, I let you know what delivery time slots are open, I do your shopping and request payment, and then I deliver to your doorstep," she said.

Helping others during a time of crisis feels "fantastic," Seuss said. "It's amazing how much of a connection you can still have from six feet away. Even with masks on, we can still smile at each other and have that true moment of thankfulness and joy."

And her grateful clients couldn't be more thankful. "Everyone has truly been so kind and so encouraging," she said. "I wanted to do this as a kind gesture towards the community that has supported myself and my business for so long and I couldn't be more grateful."

To learn more about East End Grocery click here or email alexasss13@gmail.com.