LANCASTER, Pa. — The Exterior Company has nearly 100 employees who were mostly born and raised in Central Pennsylvania. In this time of uncertainty, many of them are hearing stories from family members, neighbors and customers who are afraid to leave their homes to get vital prescription medications and other essential grocery items.

Free Home Deliveries

As the wait list for deliveries grows longer each day, employees at TEC, which has been featured in RC's Top 100 Contractors List, began discussing how they could help the community. The question struck a nerve with TEC’s president, Ryan Hoke, whose father just had triple bypass surgery and who has risk factors that make this a very real threat for his family.

"I knew how this situation has been affecting us, so it no doubt is affecting other families in our community," said Hoke. "We are fortunate that my father lives just five minutes away and we are able to help him get the items he needs. There are other families out there who aren’t as fortunate. That’s how this whole idea originated.

"I asked my team if anyone would be interested in volunteering, to deliver prescriptions and other essential groceries to our community members who can’t get out right now. I was overwhelmed by the response, but not surprised. We have a great team here and they are once again stepping up."

TEC’s team of volunteers is standing by and ready to help anyone who is immune-compromised, a senior, or who is stuck at home with kids and can’t get out for prescription medication or essential groceries. With safety top-of-mind, Hoke is asking his employees who are volunteering to follow the same guidelines recently put into place for his workers doing roof repairs and replacements. Zero transmission and social distancing is TEC’s mantra right now, and the company is backing that with action.

Here is how TEC’s delivery volunteers will be operating:

1. Anyone in need of a delivery contacts TEC by phone or Facebook
2. Needs, along with a plan for prescription or grocery pick-up are established
3. TEC team member picks up essential item(s)
4. TEC team member places products on homeowner’s doorstep
5. TEC team member texts or calls homeowner from car to indicate delivery has arrived
6. Once homeowner gets the items from their porch, team member gives a friendly wave and drives away

“Seeing how the core of our business and my ultimate mission for The Exterior Company is to always best serve our community after natural disasters/circumstances beyond one’s control, this seemed like the perfect time to step up and help,” said Hoke.

Financial Assistance for Groceries

During these deliveries, the volunteers are seeing an even greater need. Many people are struggling to come up with the money for essential groceries for their families. The Exterior Company is pitching in to help and has set up a GoFundMe page for other community members who want to help their struggling neighbors in need of grocery money.

Meal Donations

TEC, which has teamed up with the Water Street Mission in the past, is teaming up with them again during COVID-19 by matching up to 500 meal donations.

“We encourage everyone to unite to get through these unprecedented times. We want to send our most heartfelt thoughts and support to any, and all families who may need it,” adds Hoke.