Taking Care of our Caretakers in DeKalb County
Residents Helping Both First Responders and Restaurants During a Challenging Time By: Stephen Haberkorn
A
s the coronavirus spread sickness and economic anxiety around DeKalb County during the spring of 2020, acts of kindness and community support seemed to be just as contagious. One group in particular stood out during this time. “Taking Care of our Caretakers-DeKalb County,” a group started on Facebook by two old friends, served thousands of meals and treats to healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers, raised tens of thousands of dollars to support local restaurants, and inspired
many others to do what they could to lend a hand during the difficult time. Katie Norris-Geer of DeKalb, one of the founders of the group, has a board that says, “When you open your heart to helping others, you begin to heal yourself.” She thought about that saying as she recovered from a 30-year addiction to opiates and a second bout of kidney cancer. After seeing a woman featured on TV who was providing meals to healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines
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