April 24, 2020
Coupeville, WA – Island Transit launched a new service to assist Island County social service agencies and food banks with the delivery of essential items during the COVID-19 pandemic. Called Island Transit Cares, the essential delivery service made its maiden trip today by picking up 50 boxes of food from the North Whidbey Help House in Oak Harbor and delivering them to several Island County locations.
“As a public transit agency, offering free delivery service for essential items is just another way to fulfill our mission,” says Island Transit Executive Director Todd Morrow, who points out that transit is still running bus and paratransit service for essential transportation, but on a reduced Emergency Service Plan to comply with the State of Washington’s Stay Healthy, Stay Home orders. “While many people are staying home and not riding the bus, we’re adapting our service to meet today’s needs and bring essential items to them through established programs and service organizations.”
Island Transit Cares will deliver groceries, medicine, meals, and any essential items that are not considered dangerous. “We will deliver whenever and to whomever the social service agency or food bank needs us to go,” says Morrow. “Deliveries will be done safely, with social distancing and no-contact practices.”
Oak Harbor City Councilwoman Beth Munns, who also serves on the Board of Directors for both Island Transit and the North Whidbey Help House, was instrumental in helping connect Island Transit Cares with a need in the community. “We’re just delighted these agencies could come together, get creative and make something special happen to fill a need for our community,” says Munns, adding that while she expects initial deliveries will happen on Whidbey Island, the transit agency is working to extend services to Camano Island as well. The service is limited to Island County boundaries.
Social service agencies and food banks that need delivery service for essential items during the COVID-19 pandemic, should contact Shawn Harris, Island Transit Operations Manager, at harris@islandtransit.org or 360-678-7771.
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