Haan’s Ogden Neighbors looking for people in need and volunteers

There’s nothing like a little help from your friends.

This is how Ogden is hoping to get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s how the Champaign County town of 810 residents gets through each day.

In 2016, Trustee Jim Haan passed out fliers to the entire town, letting them know that if anyone needed help with groceries, doctor visits, yardwork or other tasks, he would be able to help. He called the project “Ogden Neighbors.”

“Me and another volunteer were able to help a disabled individual with regular yard work for several years,” Haan said. “I also did one-off projects like moving heavy items to the trash for the elderly, and also arranged to have a roof repaired for a disabled individual. I occasionally get a phone call now and then.”

But after a 2016 Facebook post on “Ogden News and Information’s” page that called for people to submit needs and for additional volunteers to step forward, Haan is able to help Ogden residents more.

“Of course I am hoping for the best and that the coronavirus situation calms down, but as a community I think we need to be prepared for the worst: wide-spread infections and increasing restrictions,” Haan said.

Ogden Neighbors is doing everything from calling people within their community, especially the elderly and high-risk population, to see how people are doing each week. They are also doing the grocery shopping.

Haan knows that the need is great, and will only increase as time goes on.

“As the coronavirus is more dangerous for the elderly, who might not be on social media, I am developing a strategy to communicate with these people,” he said. “I want to continue to share ideas, identify and utilize resources, and connect people in the community.

Anyone wanting to help should email me directly at OgdenNeighbors@Gmail.com.

Haan said people, both in need or volunteers, can also call 309-306-1441.