A novel phenomenon of pandemic proportions is spreading across Idaho, taking root in communities across the state, impacting lives, and changing the way we interact with each other. Farm Bureau agents and employees are partly responsible for the spread of this phenomenon - an outbreak of acts of kindness in response to COVID-19.

 

Besides the recent company-wide fundraiser benefitting those impacted by COVID-19, here are just a few examples of how our agents and employees are helping keep spirits up during these trying times.

 

As members of Pocatello agent Erica Catt’s community struggled during the pandemic, Erica volunteered to box up and deliver meals for the Salvation Army. Her family also put on a social distancing-friendly fireworks show for their neighbors that featured patriotic music. “Our neighborhood is a mix of old and young,” Erica said, “so it was a fun, random thing to do to get everyone ‘together’ and share some laughter while staying safe.” On April 9, Erica donated the donuts for the Pocatello Salvation Army’s “Donut Drop.” The Donut Drop distributes donuts to local kids who have been referred to the Salvation Army as being food insecure. “It was pretty eye-opening at the Salvation Army,” Erica said. “They said they only have enough food donations left for about two weeks of food boxes because the need has increased so much.”

 

In Kimberly, agent Bea Guzman works with her church to buy groceries and do other shopping for people afraid or unable to leave their home. She also helps prepare and deliver food baskets, and gives people rides to doctor’s appointments.

 

Ammon agent Brock Merrill gave away free frozen yogurt from his Orange Leaf restaurant in Idaho Falls on April 1. “In light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page said, “it is our duty to come together as a community and help each other. As a local family-owned store, we want to spread happiness to your family in this dark time.”

 

In Burley, agent Dave Nevarez is checking on and running errands for elderly clients who live alone.

 

Brittany Oler, a PA for agent Matt Anderson in Driggs, took to the streets to create a sidewalk message (pictured above) for those walking by. “It was something a little non-traditional," Brittany said, “but I hoped the message would be something uplifting.”

 

Agent Norman LaCombe and his wife placed flyers on their neighbors' doors in Nampa, offering to help in any way they could.

 

Perry Shank, an agent in Jerome, took a box of food to one of his wife’s colleagues who was struggling after not being able to work. “They have a young daughter and were having trouble buying groceries,” Perry said. “We bought them a bunch of groceries and gave them part of the beef we had butchered.”

 

A north-Idaho agent who wished to remain anonymous took a meal to an elderly neighbor.

 

Agent David Colpron in Chubbuck is making sure that friends without transportation or money have the basics they need.

 

One Eagle agent is making phone calls to homebound elderly people, “just to chat and check in on them to make sure they are not lonely and don’t need anything.”

 

When a business neighbor came to the St. Maries Farm Bureau office looking for hand sanitizer because she couldn’t find any in the area, CSR Susie Patterson gave away her own quarter-full bottle. “She was so grateful because she knew the hand sanitizer would give her mom hope,” Susie said. “I wish I had more to give and will be looking for more to have on hand in case I see her again. I was grateful to be an answer to a prayer and part of a solution to combat fear.”

 

In Rexburg, PA Janet Gallup has purchased food for others.

 

Blackfoot agent Zak Popejoy is generously tipping when he orders take out. “I know that a lot of waiters and waitresses have had their income reduced because they’re not getting tips.” Zak is also periodically paying for the car behind them when going through a drive through, “to help brighten their day and help them out a little.”

 

In Post Falls, agent Shawn Quinn is taking supplies to elderly people in his neighborhood who are at a high risk for catching the virus.

 

“Birthdays should always be celebrated!” says American Falls agent Debbie Flandro, who has sent birthday cards, cookies, and brownies to clients and friends who have celebrated birthdays during the quarantine. Debbie, who lives 24 miles from the nearest grocery store, has also been on the receiving end of such kindness. Neighbors and friends have made surprise deliveries of potatoes, favorite beverages, chocolate, and toilet paper to her front door. “We are blessed to have friends like these,” Debbie says.

 

For PA Chris Richardson in Arco, these types of thoughtful gestures are nothing new, even though they are especially relevant now. Chris delivers Meals On Wheels to seniors, usually twice a week. Up until the quarantine, Chris would always visit for a few minutes at each stop. Chris also volunteers at the local Food Bank, unloading semi-trucks and helping distribute food once a week.

 

These acts of kindness give us reason not to sink into worry or fear, and show us that when we do get through this, it will be because we helped each other.

 

“We need hope to be more infectious than any virus,” Susie Patterson added. “We need to inoculate our communities with courage, compassion, and generosity so they will be stronger and better after this passes.”

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