PSR responds to ice storms

PSR staff member April Ross packs bags of water for homebound clients.

​PSR is responding to the two devastating ice storms in a bold and impactful way over a week-long period.
 
More than 1,000 meals, including 350 donated hot meals from Farmville-based Fishin’ Pig restaurant, were packed and delivered to older adults in need and often without electricity. This includes shelf-stable meals, and home delivered meals. One-hundred of the meals went directly to a local nursing and rehabilitation facility’s patients and staff.
 
“PSR is very proud to once again be engaged in emergency services for our region,” said Justine A. Young, CEO of PSR. “COVID-19 already gave us practice in mobilizing for a region-wide emergency and now these ice storms showed again how quickly we can mobilize to protect and care for our older generations who are often isolated. We are honored to be able to help citizens throughout Central Virginia and work with such wonderful community partners. Together we are stronger.”
 
PSR obtained gallon jugs and hundreds of bottles of water, delivering more than 950 bottles of water across the region. Prince Edward County donated many of the bottles of water. Blankets and quilts along with other items, such as care packages, were also distributed.
 
PSR staff were able to direct many clients toward county shelters, especially those in Nottoway, Charlotte, and Lunenburg, the counties hardest hit by the first ice storm. One client had been sleeping in her car for days to keep warm as her house had no electricity, until PSR informed her of the shelter in Nottoway.
 
“You have no idea how much it means to me to get this today,” one client told PSR staff Claire Furber and Michelle Temple upon receiving their hot meal and water.
 
“Thank you again for thinking of us and having the delicious food sent,” said the Director of Nursing at Heritage Hall-Dillwyn.
 
“This was truly a team effort and a showcase of what we can do for our seniors when we need to deliver direct services quickly,” said Director of Nutrition and Transportation Thomas Jordan Miles III. “Our staff, from the drivers, volunteers, office staff, homemakers, and everyone involved, really worked together in a major way to get older adults, many of whom have not had power in days, what they need in a matter of a day and a half.”
 
The agency assessed needs via telephone on Tuesday, and made in person visits in the advent of the Thursday ice storm. Deliveries were made to all seven counties in advance of the second ice storm and to help our homebound clients get over the hard first ice storm.
 
For more information PSR, and to find out about our services, call 434-767-5588, or email [email protected].

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PSR delivered more than 950 bottles of water to older adults this week, along with hot meals, frozen meals, blankets, care packages, and other necessities.