'Zoomers to Boomers': US teens learn from COVID-19 crisis volunteer work

Volunteers make grocery runs for seniors - and learning some life lessons along the way

Published: May 24, 2020 10:11 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Editor

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A group of teens in the Los Angeles area are paying it forward during the COVID-19 pandemic, making grocery runs for seniors - and learning some life lessons along the way. | Mira Kwon (C) and her friend/partner Betsy Bass (R), 17, shop for groceries at the Framers Market on 3rd in Los Angeles, California. Image Credit: AFP

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"This experience has been really great," said 16-year-old Mira Kwon as she did a recent supermarket run. "In many ways, it has taught me a lot." Image Credit: AFP

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Kwon volunteers with "Zoomers to Boomers" - a service that originated in California in the wake of the virus outbreak, which prompted stay-at-home orders throughout the United States. Image Credit: AFP

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The service has now spread to more than a dozen cities across the country. | Mira Kwon and Betsy Bass delivers groceries in Los Angeles, California. Image Credit: AFP

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Kwon now heads a team of about 40 students whose academic year was abruptly upended because of the pandemic and who were forced to pursue their high school studies online. Image Credit: AFP

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The idea behind the service is simple: elderly people (Baby Boomers) or those who are immunocompromised submit a list to association members (Generation Z) who then do the shopping and deliver the groceries. Image Credit: AFP

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"I was very intimidated at first because ... it required me to cold call a bunch of businesses," said Kwon, who heads the service's LA chapter in Koreatown. Image Credit: AFP

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"I hadn't really done that before and I was worried that I would be rejected." Image Credit: AFP

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The teen said although many businesses did not want to partner with the delivery service, she finally found several stores that were interested. Image Credit: AFP

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A group of teens in the Los Angeles area are paying it forward during the COVID-19 pandemic, making grocery runs for seniors - and learning some life lessons along the way. Image Credit: AFP

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Apart from the satisfaction gained from helping those in need, Kwon said the initiative has helped her build confidence and connect with people. Image Credit: AFP

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