NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public Health doesn't have near the amount of staffing it takes to vaccinate thousands of people a week. That's why they've been relying on about 50 volunteers a day from Hands On Nashville.
"Is it still morning? Yes it is. Good morning," said Nadia Ali, one of the Hands on Nashville volunteers helping out Saturday morning at Music City Center.
Nadia's joy is so infectious, it can't be matched, or in this case, masked. "I’m like a bouncer at a club -- I’m just making sure you’re old enough to get in," she joked, as she worked the registration table.
So many people have tried to volunteer at the vaccine clinic, there's actually a waiting list. All of Hands on Nashville's slots are filled through the month of February. "This operation is about 80 percent volunteers," said Ali.
Nadia has enjoyed the experience so much, she just keeps coming back. "You’ll see several groups of us that have been here every weekend, and we’ve been really enjoying the friendship we’ve been able to develop by seeing each other every weekend," she said.
She says it's a way to be social in this socially distant world, and also make a difference. "Sharing these stories of hope -- it’s been very rewarding," said Ali.
One of those people on the receiving end of Nadia's joy is Marie Cothren. "Oh yes, I’m so excited," Cothren told us.
Cothren is 89 and until Chick-fil-a closed their lobby due to the pandemic, was greeting people every single day she worked. She says she's missed her social life and saying hi to folks at the Music City Center Saturday was the next best thing. "Oh they’ve been great, they are awesome, all of them," said Cothren.
"This is the most fun volunteer thing I’ve ever done. Everyone’s so happy," said one man, who was directing patients to the right table.
A reminder -- Metro’s vaccine clinic is only accepting those with scheduled appointments that meet the state’s criteria. You will not be charged any money -- to receive a vaccine.
If you'd like to sign up for various volunteer opportunities with Hands on Nashville, you can click here.
What is the rebound?
As Middle Tennessee works to rebound from the impact of the Coronavirus, we want to help. Whether it's getting back to work, making ends meet during this uncertain time, or managing the pressure, we're committed to finding solution. In addition, we want to tell your stories of hope, inspiration, and creativity as Middle Tennessee starts to rebound.
Find more in the sections below
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Safely Back to School
How schools are changing, and what you can do to help your child get the most from their education, in-person or virtual -
Making Ends Meet
Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques -
Managing the Pressure
Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress. -
Doing What’s Right
Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community. -
State of Education
Find ways to cope with the new normal around schools and celebrate students’ success in the age of Coronavirus. -
We're Open Y'all
Support local businesses doing their best to stay open and serve their customers during Covid.
