Residents in Tamaqua’s Hi-Rise apartments have dealt with drastic changes due to the social distancing regulations aimed at stopping COVID-19.

With group events on hold, they have been mostly limited to their own apartments. Something as simple as getting groceries involves a risky trip to the store, or family members dropping off food.

On Thursday, the Salvation Army of Tamaqua stepped in to provide some support to help them through this time.

Capt. John Luby, with help from volunteers and Tamaqua Mayor Nathan Gerace, delivered a box of food to every resident of the Majestic House and ABC Tamaqua Hi-Rise - more than 100 in all.

“It’s important, especially in situations like these where they don’t have the mobility, may not have the energy, or they may be confined to a wheelchair,” Luby said.

The boxes, which included everything from snacks to cereal to pulled pork, are designed to provide a four-day supply of food for a family of four for 3-4 days. For a senior citizen living on their own, that may be enough food for a week.

Officials at Majestic House said residents have taken social distancing seriously, and it can be hard on them. They’ve had to give up group gatherings and limit visits from family to deliveries only.

“It’s hard for them. They are trying to stay in,” said Sandy Davis, Majestic House’s supportive service coordinator. “This is a four-day supply of meals for them. That’s great.”

Resident Gerry Klein said she’s grateful for all the assistance she receives from family as well as groups like the Salvation Army. She relies on family members and her church for food deliveries.

“I don’t get out to the store,” Klein said. “This will be great for me for snacks and everything they gave us.”

During the lockdown she’s been forced to stay in her room for the most part. Reading the Bible and doing word searches are good ways to stay busy while staying safe.

“I don’t know if I’m overprotective, but you never know,” she said.

Salvation Army assists Tamaqua’s most vulnerable residents year-round. Luby said the demand has been even greater during the coronavirus. In addition to handing out food at the apartments, they hold a weekly distribution at their headquarters on West Broad Street, which people can sign up for by calling the Salvation Army.

Gerace said the Salvation Army, particularly Capt. Luby and his wife, have been very helpful to Tamaqua residents.

“During this time without really being called upon they’ve been a great resource for the community,” he said.

On one recent warm day, they decided to just set up a table with prepackaged lunches and drinks for residents to pick up as they passed by.

Local organizations and businesses such as Schuylkill Food Network, Healthy Harvest and Hometown Farmers Market have been helping.

Luby said he’s touched by some of the reactions when someone receives a donation. He recalled a woman who was moved by the fact that there were oranges in the box she received.

“She started to cry. She said, ‘I haven’t had an orange in a year’ - something as simple as an orange can make someone really happy,” he said.