Seniors citizens are likely being impacted the most by the current Coronavirus pandemic and veterans in South Gate have stepped up to assist.
“We have close to almost 12,000 seniors in South Gate right now,” Robert Montalvo, vice-commander for American Legion Post 335, told ABC News 7. “Just from speaking to them the past week, the majority don’t have anybody to help them out. The don’t have family or friends. And they are very isolated in their homes and scared.”
With Gov. Gavin Newsom’s March 19 stay-at-home order, seniors without a nearby support system are among the most vulnerable. Montalvo and his post members are making deliveries of much-needed supplies to help them out.
“Our goal is try and just give them one-week supply of toilet paper, soap and food also, a lot of dry food,” Montalvo said.
Author: Jared Morgan
Jared is the senior editor and web team lead for the Department of California and chair of its Media & Communications Commission. He became a member of the American Legion in 2014 when he joined Palisades Post 283 to find stories about veterans issues for a local newspaper while working as its news editor. He was soon brought in as 283's assistant adjutant and historian to help produce the post's award-winning community newspaper. Since then, Jared has used his media skills to help further the efforts of The American Legion in its advocacy of veterans and their families. Jared has also worked for several years to help revitalize the 100-year-old Santa Monica Post 123, formerly as its adjutant and as a member of its executive board, before transferring back to Post 283.
