Helpful neighbor sets vaccine appointments

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Some senior citizens have a hard time navigating the various websites for COVID vaccinations. But in Palm Springs, California, they’re getting help from a generous neighbor, who is asking absolutely nothing in return.

Babette Pelloux is not on the front lines in the war against COVID-19. But she is joining the fight, using her laptop as her weapon of choice, while helping others.

Pelloux, helps neighbors book vaccinations.

“I’m just trying to make their lives easier during a hard time,” said Pelloux.

Feeling relief after receiving the vaccine herself, she decided to help others who are less computer savvy by setting appointments online for them.

“It makes me feel good to know that I’m helping my neighborhood and the more people vaccinated the quicker the better for us all,” she said.

Since Sunday, using word of mouth and by posting an offer to help on the web site Next Door, she has set appointments for about 30 people, including Thousand Palms residents Art and Connie Wellms.

“We haven’t seen our grandchildren and children in almost two years,” said Connie Wellms. “So we are going to Nebraska.”

Pelloux said on average it takes about ten minutes for her to find an appointment for the person she’s trying to help and at times she has up to ten tabs open on her laptop. The retired corporate executive offers the help free of charge.

“It’s really like a full-time job, but it’s a lot of fun,” said Pelloux.

Setting the appointments, Pelloux said she’s gained some insights, describing the CVS website and the Rite-Aid web sites as excellent when it comes to speed and ease of use.

In addition to helping the Wellms, Pelloux said she has set appointments for some restaurant employees from Indio and people with disabilities.

“I think it is fantastic,” said Wellms. “To me she was a blessing and just an incredible person.”

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