There’s been a dip in helping hands as the COVID-19 outbreak has made it difficult for older adults to volunteer at their favorite organizations. Adults over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This has led to younger people stepping up to the challenge and helping their local communities get through these tough times. HACAP Communications and Volunteers Manager Chris Ackman says he has seen many more teachers and students volunteering at local events because of the added free time they have. Ackman tells KCII News how HACAP has modified their events to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, “What we’ve been doing is still having volunteer opportunities and really modifying those volunteer projects to where people are spread out, being six feet apart from each other, washing their hands before they come. We have a thermometer where we’ve been taking people’s temperatures before they volunteer. If they have a high temperature, they have to go home.” Ackman also says volunteers have to fill out a form saying whether or not they have traveled outside the country or have traveled by airplane in the last 14 days. Ackman encourages those who are healthy and capable to consider volunteering at HACAP or other local organizations. Those who would like to start volunteering with HACAP can visit www.hacap.org or call 319-393-7811 for more information on volunteering events.