The Great Falls Gazette is pleased to introduce the new Neighbor Assist Program, a program within our Circulation department. As our newspaper and courier drivers conduct deliveries, they frequently observe matters that may be of significance to homeowners.
Some examples of issues we can provide notifications of include accumulation of newspapers and packages at the delivery point or front door, vehicle doors left ajar on your property, broken or obstructed gutters (which can result in extensive damage), vandalism or graffiti on your property, open doors or windows during adverse weather conditions, or broken windows.
We can contact a secondary person (whom you choose) to let them know there might be an issue. This is most helpful for older folks living alone.
During the course of their deliveries, our drivers can radio our dispatcher and let them know of the problem. The dispatcher will then access your account to verify that you are a member. They can also see if you have asked NOT to be notified about something, and skip bothering you (I.E. You know there is a broken window on the porch and don’t want to be notified anymore about it.) The dispatcher will make the call (usually within 12 hours). The one exception is if there is a build-up of papers. If you have a lot of newspapers not being collected, and have an emergency contact, we will try to call you first. If we cannot reach you within a few hours, we will call your emergency contact person. This is the only time we will contact your emergency contact.
Our program’s primary objective is to promote our readers’ safety and well-being. Our drivers will not try to fix things or make direct contact with you. We are simply fellow community members dedicated to ensuring the safety of our neighbors.
Participation in this program is exclusively available to readers and subscribers who receive home delivery. We do not have control over mail carriers, nor do we receive any relevant information from them.
There is no cost to participate in the Neighbor Assist Program. We do not monitor any specific information related to issues noted by our drivers. This program is simply offered as a courtesy to our valued readers. Should you choose to cancel your participation in the program, you can call or email us and we can remove you at any time.
To register for the program, please contact us at (406) 952-3021 and let us know that you would like to participate.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
