Soldier on

Wayne Brewer, 90, keeps coming to Rathdrum Senior Center to volunteer during health crisis

RATHDRUM — For the fifth straight day, Wayne Brewer volunteered outside the Rathdrum Senior Center on Thursday.

He’s been there in the cold and wind, accepting donations, carrying them into the collection area, and sanitizing them for distribution to those in need at home.

Wayne Brewer, by the way, is 90 years old.

“He’s one of my favorites,” said Rhonda Story, center director.

Story said she tried to convince her longtime friend to stay home and rest, as he’s at-risk from the coronavirus that has prompted others to hunker down.

“But he won’t do it,” she said. “He’s here because he wants to stay busy. I appreciate it.”

The Rathdrum Senior Center has become the focal point for donations of money, household supplies, toiletries and food for the homebound. A network of volunteers is making deliveries during this health crisis.

Christine French-Drube, executive director of the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce, dropped off diapers, water, peanut butter and jelly and other items she bought at Bi-Mart, which opened Thursday.

The funds came from a canceled chamber luncheon. French-Drube said many declined a refund.

“These are from the businesses that just said do it as a donation,” she said.

Since coming on board as chamber director a few months ago, French-Drube said her motto has been “keeping the unity in community.”

“A lot of people are doing just that,” she said.

Story agreed.

She said businesses, organizations, government agencies and individuals have rallied to the cause. Many have called and asked what they can do, what is needed.

“Of all the places in the world, Rathdrum is one of the nicest,” Story said. “You have no idea of the amount of stuff we have collected.”

It’s not just seniors who need help, either.

“With the stay-at-home order, it’s everyone,” Story said.

And with the governor’s order, more people, like Wayne Brewer, have risen to meet the need.

He pointed to Story and another volunteer when asked what keeps him coming out, day after day.

“There’s one reason, and there’s the other,” he said, smiling

Brewer paused, then said his wife recently had to go to an assisted-living facility.

“It’s the hardest thing in the world I’ve ever done,” he said as he fought back tears.

He and his wife have been married 58 years, and he hates being alone, especially at night.

“The sheets are damn cold,” he said.

So, Brewer is more than happy to volunteer during the coronavirus outbreak, even if it means standing in the cold. Even if it means putting himself at risk.

He proudly explains his role and how he carefully wipes down the donations so they’re virus-free.

His work, he said, keeps his mind off being alone.

And he’s thankful for the Rathdrum Senior Center, too. He said when it was normally open, it provided lunch for him and his wife.

“If it wasn’t for these people ...” he said, his voice falling off.

Story looked toward Brewer, working alone now, and said, “He’s a beautiful man.”