The elderly are the most affected group by disruptions because of the novel coronavirus, and so two Mexico businesses have teamed up to provide delivery meals for that population.

The Gift Bar owner Alexis Burnett, for every $50 spent at the store, will purchase a meal from Stacey’s Place, a Mexico restaurant. Owner Stacey Conklin is providing a matching meal. Eight meals were delivered on Tuesday, she said.

Word already is out and Conklin recently received a $50 donation to keep the program going. Others have sent messages to Conklin about donations to pay for meals. The meals are for senior citizens. The Mexico Senior Center also is providing curbside meals and is expanding its home-delivered meal program.

“We have people messaging both of us with names and addresses of elderly people in the community that either should not get out to get food or anything like that,” Burnett said.

Burnett wanted to partner with Stacey’s since she said small businesses are affected more by coronavirus-related closures. The U.S. Small Business Administration has loans available for businesses affected by COVID-19.

“It is an added benefit that we get to help people in the community as well. It shows that it still is important to support your small businesses in a time like this,” Burnett said.

Burnett and Conklin are taking it one day at a time with their meal support program. They plan to continue to do for as long as restaurants are allowed to stay open, Burnett said.

“We all are trying to stay above with this crisis,” Conklin said. “The community is coming together.”

Stacey’s Place still was open Wednesday and is offering curbside pick-up as well for meals. Conklin is working on plans for meal delivery as well for non-elderly patrons.

The meals delivered to senior citizens are Conklin’s daily special. The response to the deliveries is heartwarming, she said, relating what Burnett has told her.

“One lady came to the door in a wheelchair and was in tears and so thankful that she got a meal,” Conklin said. “We have always done our best to help out the community and we want to continue to do that, especially in times like this.”