Paris native Alison Thrasher is working on the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic in Houston. No, she isn’t a first responder or medical professional, rather she is helping distribute food boxes to families in need in a city that holds over 2.3 million people.
“This is a great opportunity to help people in need even with the risk of being exposed,” said Thrasher.
Some may not want to take a risk, but for Thrasher, she said that every precaution is being made by her and her colleagues to protect not only themselves but those that drive by a pickup site to collect food.
Thrasher works for the YMCA, who, in turn, partnered with the Houston Food Bank to distribute food boxes to residents each day of the week at different locations.
Although she initially started working as a healthy living coach with the YMCA before COVID-19 had her furloughed, Thrasher said she has been happy since jumping into this new role to help others even if it has some risk to it.
“It can be a little taxing at times as there are only so many boxes we can give out a day, but it’s all worth it, in the end, to know that I can help others in need,” she said.
As for the risk her new role imposes, she said it is on her mind, but by taking proper precautions and being ‘smart,’ the job far outweighs the worry.
Thrasher said that it would appear that she will be in this role through the end of the year, and while she is studying at the University of Houston for a degree in Exercise Science, she is proud that she can continue towards her goals as planned.
