The COVID-19 pandemic has struck the world into a pause. Over one hundred thousand people worldwide have passed away due to the virus, even more are infected,  and millions of people are in quarantine. Everyone has been affected one way or another. This includes the elderly and immunocompromised citizens of Santa Barbara, and Daniel Goldberg, a Junior at San Marcos High School, has decided to take a stand in the community and help out by creating the organization, Zoomers to Boomers. A group of 16-17 year olds that deliver groceries to neighbors who could be risking their lives by leaving their homes. Goldberg got the idea on his second day of quarantine when he said he saw his dad, Dr. Brian Golderg, who is an ER doctor at Cottage Hospital, go out every day in scrubs and put himself on the front line. “I was just sitting at home, twiddling my thumbs,” said Goldberg, “I was like, ‘There has to be something I can do to try and help in the community.’ I started thinking and brainstorming on how I can help.” That was when Zoomers to Boomers was created, and soon things were set in motion on March 19 when they received their first order. 

It has since grown into a nationwide movement. Eleven cities across the US now have their own Zoomers to Boomers organizations. Goldberg continued to say that even people as far as Australia have contacted him. The Zoomers to Boomers movement is branching out, but it all started here in Santa Barbara, with Daniel Golderg and his friends. Some honorable mentions are Alexander Wilson, VP of Operations, Taylor Wilson, VP of Finance, Blake Lindblad, VP of technology, Lily Bienstock VP of volunteer services and Nat Sweeney, VP of Safety. There are many more locals, and even people from other states, who have volunteered to be a part of Zoomers to Boomers, and on their website there is a volunteer application you can fill out if  you are willing to participate as well. Every kind gesture helps!

Orders can be placed online, Monday through Saturday, on their website zoomerstoboomers.com by clicking on your location and the Order Here button. This is where the “Zoomers” take up the orders to get the supplies at local grocery stores and then drop the delivery off at the “Boomers” house. It’s extremely easy and there is also no delivery fee. Golderg said that many have tried to give them tips, but they do not take them.  If customers are insistent on giving them a tip, the money goes towards a donation to anyone in need during this time. 

Although these “Zoomers” are not as likely to catch COVID-19, they are still putting themselves at risk for their community. This commendable act is rewarded by the seniors’ “happy and grateful smiles when we show up,” says Daniel Goldberg. Which is why, although Goldberg is focusing on the pandemic right now, he is considering continuing the Zoomers to Boomers movement in the future, and building on the idea of helping a neighbor in need.