Vendor Story: Debbie Booker

I have been selling StreetWise for seven years at the Whole Foods at 3640 N. Halsted St. in Lakeview. COVID-19 has really changed things around here. I don’t think I have ever spent so much time at home! I have really been doing my best to stay on top of my bills, and I have been paying everything two months in advance, as last thing I want to have to deal with right now is an eviction.

I was very scared just to be out, but it is getting easier. When I first started selling StreetWise again, it seemed like some of my customers were afraid of me! They would set the money down for me to pick up, so that they could stay six feet away. I would try to give them the magazine, but people were scared to take it. I always wear gloves and a mask and keep sanitizer with me, but back then we thought we could get COVID that way. It's getting better than it was. Customers stop and talk to me now, and people are less afraid to take the paper. Overall, my customers take care of me. We really look out for each other in Lakeview!

Just recently, one of my best customers, Benny (the dog), died of cancer. He had been my customer since I started selling at Whole Foods 7 years ago. I got to pet him and say good-bye. He was such a great friend. It is a reminder that life goes on with COVID or not! We have to live and appreciate the blessings in our lives.

Amanda at StreetWise helped me get an appointment for the vaccine! I just got my first shot, and I am excited to get the second. I can’t wait to tell my customers. I do have some health issues, so this will be such a relief for my mind! I can’t wait to tell my customers that I am safe! If we all get vaccines, maybe someday soon we can go back to normal!