A New Mexico book club shifted gear during the pandemic by helping thousands in their communities get vaccinated against COVID-19, a report said.
The 11-member group – dubbed The Fabulous Ladies Book Club – became involved in the effort when one member’s husband, Dr. Stephen Rath, a vaccination clinic opened in the village of Ruidoso, KOB reported.
Rath began the operation after a health care worker called to ask for help.
“She said there was no one in Lincoln County who wanted or could vaccinate the public,” Rath told the outlet.
“She said they had vaccines to send to us if we could or wanted to open a vaccination clinic.”
The book club participated by helping to promote the new site.
“It was a lot of trying to get it out there, connecting with people we knew, taking calls from 7am,” Alexandra Born told KOB.
“I had people texting me at 11pm. We are all trying to do a complete job all the time,” she said.
The book club’s work did not go unnoticed. After appearing in the Washington Post, they were praised by former first lady Michelle Obama.
“The Fabulous Ladies Book Club is an example of what can be done when people come together to help their community in times of need,” Obama tweeted.
Their incredible organizing work has helped so many people in their city get the COVID-19 vaccine. Well done ladies! “