Fairfield boy offers to shop for, talk on phone with neighborhood seniors during COVID-19 outbreak

A Fairfield boy is offering to go shopping for senior citizens in his neighborhood, and talk to them on the phone in case they feel lonely or need groceries during the virus pandemic.

News 12 Staff

Mar 25, 2020, 4:57 PM

Updated 1,493 days ago

Share:

An 8-year-old boy from Fairfield is letting senior citizens in his neighborhood know they're not alone during this time. Finn O'Connor is leaving notes in their mailboxes that offer to go shopping for them, mail their letters, or just talk on the phone.
"I just wanted to help because the coronavirus is bad, very bad," Finn explained.   
Neighbor Marilyn Walsh, 79, got one of those notes. "It said, 'Hello, my name is Finn' and things he could do," Marilyn said. "I saved it. I just thought it was the neatest thing. Actually it choked me up the first day I got that." 
Walsh has chronic pulmonary artery disease so she's part of the population most vulnerable and is trying to stay at home. 
"I figure I'm one of the people who if i got this virus, maybe wouldn't make it," she said.
Finn's dad came up with the idea but said his son ran with it, which wasn't surprising. Finn and his older sister, Phoebe, recently shaved their heads for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. 
"One thing about my kids that I'm super proud of is they're always willing to help other people," Dylan O'Connor told News 12.
In Walsh's case, that's meant bringing her eggs and cream for her coffee.
"I said to his mom, 'I need to give Finn a big hug.' And I know I can't give it to him now, but I want to give that little boy a big hug for what he did."  
Walsh knows she'll get to eventually. Theirs is a friendship born out of social distancing, but one that will continue long after. 
The impact of the coronavirus around the world
undefined
 


More from News 12
2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

2:26
Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

0:32
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

0:22
Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

0:30
Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

2:20
Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care

Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care