These are unusual times at grocery stores. First, toilet paper was selling out. Now, other supplies are being depleted. Lines are all the way to the back of stores, and you’re lucky if you can find a shopping cart. 

Going grocery shopping can feel stressful for anyone right now due to the chaos and lack of essential items on your list, but for some people, it actually feels scary.

You might wonder why anyone would actually describe their feelings about grocery shopping in terms of “fear,” but for the older population, those who are more at risk of having complications if they come into contact with the coronavirus, fear is very real.

They’re not afraid of lines. They’re not afraid of not having enough toilet paper. They’re afraid for their health and possibly their lives.

Pro runner Rebecca Mehra was at a local shopping center when a lady in her ‘80s rolled down the window and caught her attention. She told Mehra that she had been sitting in her car in that parking spot for 45 minutes waiting for help. She was afraid to go into the grocery store because of the novel coronavirus, but she needed groceries.

I went to the grocery store this afternoon. As I was walking in I heard a woman yell to me from her car. I walked over and found an elderly woman and her husband. She cracked her window open a bit more, and explained to me nearly in tears that they are afraid to go in the store.

— Rebecca Mehra (@rebecca_mehra) March 12, 2020

The older woman handed Mehra a $100 bill and a grocery list. She asked Mehra if she would buy groceries for her, and Mehra did just that.

would be willing to buy her groceries.I bought the groceries and placed them in her trunk, and gave her back the change. She told me she had been sitting in the car for nearly 45 min before I had arrived, waiting to ask the right person for help.

— Rebecca Mehra (@rebecca_mehra) March 12, 2020

Mehra recounted the experience on Twitter and ended by saying, “I know it’s a time of hysteria and nerves, but offer to help anyone you can. Not everyone has people to turn to.”

I know it’s a time of hysteria and nerves, but offer to help anyone you can. Not everyone has people to turn to.

— Rebecca Mehra (@rebecca_mehra) March 12, 2020

Mehra’s tweet has touched so many people. It has been retweeted more than 10,000 times, and she even got to share her story on CNN.

Can’t believe this just happened. I had the opportunity to share my story on @cnn with @brikeilarcnn earlier today. What an absolute honor.#kindnesskillscovid pic.twitter.com/kTyAOXGphz

— Rebecca Mehra (@rebecca_mehra) March 13, 2020

Another twitter user shared a similar experience.

 

1. This happened to me with a gentleman that was 91 yrs old I walked past and heard crying. I walked up to make sure he was alright. He instantly tried to clear up but explained he’s never been scared until now. He handed me 150 dollars and a list the total came to 46.77.

— Chris Kayler (@KaylerKlan) March 12, 2020

Many people have decided to take action due to Mehra’s story.

Thanks for this. I’m going to knock on some neighbors doors tonight to see who needs a grocery store run.

— Kim Mackrill (@kimmackrill) March 12, 2020

We’re definitely going to be on the lookout for anyone who needs help during these unusual times. Do you know anyone who needs help right now?