MARYSVILLE, Wash. — When Pastor Joel Belcher realized just how serious the coronavirus outbreak was, he knew he had to take action.
He put out a post on Facebook looking for those who could help and those who needed help, and his community responded.
"We'll do everything we can to be safe, but we're not just to shut in and go away," said Belcher. "This is our time to help the sick and the poor."
Donations of grocery cards, cash and sanitary supplies started pouring into Calvary Marysville Church, a congregation of barely 50 people.
They were a godsend for a woman named Joanne who came to accept a WinCo gift card.
"Everyone is out of money," she said. "I've been helping a sick 97-year-old neighbor as much as I can, but now we're at a point where we need the help."
Belcher is also using those donations to shop for people who can't leave their homes.
They're people like Stephanie Sharpe, who has been quarantined since last Thursday. She's had to send her 12-year-old daughter to live with friends while she tries to figure out what comes next.
"I think I'm gonna have to go to urgent care," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I just talked to a friend and there's a couple people here in the apartments who have tested positive for the virus. So, it's here."
Many food banks across Washington are expecting shortages as more people get sick and lose their jobs. Belcher hopes the acts of kindness generated by his community will help soothe some of the fear and uncertainty so many are feeling right now.
"I will pray for these people, and then I will go to the store and shop for them," he said. "It's a practical way of helping out with these unprecedented times."
Belcher said he hopes other places of worship will follow Calvary Marysville's example and do the same.