For the first half of her spring semester, U of A sophomore Madison Huckaby spent most mornings just like other college students — in a classroom, especially since she is triple majoring in international and global studies, French and history.

When the university moved to remote learning due to the coronavirus, Huckaby knew she would have to find something to do in her hometown in Shreveport.

"I love being busy, so when I had to move back home this semester, I knew I needed to get involved in my community," Huckaby said. "The COVID-19 outbreak has made community involvement more important than ever."

Huckaby found her solution when she and her mother saw a Facebook post asking for more volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels. "Community involvement has always been important, so we decided to help," she said.

Huckaby had never been involved with delivering meals to senior citizens but knew the COVID-19 outbreak would make the service critical for many in her hometown. The daily deliveries are made in the morning — when Huckaby would normally be sitting in a classroom in Fayetteville.

"I started delivering for Meals on Wheels because of the COVID-19 outbreak," Huckaby said. Not only does Meals on Wheels provide food to senior citizens, but it also acts as a daily "wellness check" since many of the recipients live alone. Especially now with the COVID outbreak, many of the recipients are afraid to get out of the house in fear of contracting the virus, so they are more reliant than ever on the daily delivery, Huckaby said.

"People are so thankful for their meals, and as someone who is young, healthy, and — thanks to online classes — has lots of free time, I feel it is my obligation to reach out and help those who may not have access to food without Meals on Wheels," she said.

Huckaby also noted that Louisiana currently has the highest rate of spread of the virus in the world. She said she wanted to do everything she can to make sure those who are high-risk can stay at home.

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