UWS Mom And Son Crowdsource 100s To Help Elderly Neighbors

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN — Nearly 200 Upper West Siders are volunteering to shop, walk pets and even just chat on the phone with elderly neighbors who might need help coping during the coronavirus pandemic.

A crowdsourcing page created by Trinity School seventh grader Rian Julka and his mom, Kamal, has gained more than 160 sign-ups in just three days to connect those able to run errands or check in on neighbors who need any sort of help.

The idea, which sparked when Rian started shopping for a few neighbors in his own building, is similar to other crowdsourcing pages the Julkas set up before they moved to New York City, including one to help after riots in New Delhi.

And if those efforts and the last few days are any indication, it is only the beginning, Kamal said.

"They've taken off with it — it is organically going to grow," Kamal told Patch. "We just wanted to spread it out, that's the only thing this effort needs."

The page comes as coronavirus cases in New York City climbed to 1,000 on Wednesday and Mayor Bill de Blasio mulled a shelter-in-place order in the city, which is already in a state of emergency.

So far, neighbors speaking more than a dozen different languages, stretching from West 53rd Street all the way up to West 179th Street in Washington Heights, have added their name to the list.

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The sign-up page, which asks ideas for non-contact services, has volunteers for dropping off groceries, picking up medications, walking pets, editing and proofreading, help with technology and even a licensed psychiatrist willing to talk.

The page is open to all new ideas, Kamal said.

She added that the idea is to distribute the sheet to doormen or other building staff who can help identify where elderly neighbors live who might need it. Some volunteers have already connected with those who want their help, she said.

And while she and Rian put the page up, Kamal added that all the credit should go to the volunteers.

"I'm quite happy New Yorkers are showing their typical New York spirit," she said. "We always underestimate kindness and there are so many people willing to help. I've been astounded again, and again, and again."

Check out the sign-up sheet here.