LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington AARP volunteers teamed up to deliver 130 lunches and thank you cards recognizing frontline workers at the Consolidated Baptist Church COVID-19 vaccination clinic hosted by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

Volunteers and staff at the clinic were treated to a free lunch from Chick-fil-A. The effort was spearheaded by the Rev. Jim Thurman, well-known Lexington resident and AARP volunteer.

Frontline workers at the clinic are on duty for long shifts, vaccinating thousands in underserved populations and the free lunches are one way AARP volunteers are showing their support.

“We have a local group of about 30 to 40 AARP volunteers in Lexington, and this recognition for these frontline workers at Consolidated and Shiloh Baptist churches came up from the grassroots,” said Scott Wegenast, AARP Kentucky associate state director. “They wanted to show some appreciation for the work being done every day to reach into the community and give folks the shot of hope.”

Thurman is one of the leaders in that group of volunteers. He pastors at Shiloh Baptist Church and is also president of the Lexington-Fayette chapter of the NAACP. He said he is appreciative of the volunteers and workers and for how the clinics aid the elderly and black populations when it comes to getting the vaccine.

“We were so appreciative of what those guys are doing day-in and day-out, week after week, to aid the African-American community in particular, coming into the community and

availing themselves to the people,” Thurman said. “It was hard for a lot of our seniors to get across town. So, by them coming into the community, it was a win-win situation. We just wanted to show appreciation, and AARP so graciously provided us with the opportunity to do so by feeding the workers. Offering the clinics is a tremendous thing to do for our community, and we're so appreciative.”

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has administered more than 13,000 vaccines since Dec. 21, 2020.