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1. Where can I get a cloth mask?

Konza United Way is now a distribution point for cloth masks. You can stop by their office on Tuesday or Thursday between 12pm and 3pm, or call for an appointment. They will collect donated masks as well.

555 Poyntz Ave Suite 245, PO Box 922
(785) 776-3779
http://www.konzaunitedway.org/

2. I made cloth masks, can I donate them for the community?

The Riley County Health Department has partnered with Konza United Way to provide, free of charge, homemade cloth masks for the community in effort to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended wearing cloth masks in situations where social distancing measures are difficult to follow, such as when shopping at grocery stores or pharmacies. Guidance for the use of masks and patterns for making cloth masks can be found online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

This effort relies on the generous help from the Riley County community to make and donate the cloth masks.  Those who want to help are encouraged to make masks at home and deliver them Konza United Way at 555 Poyntz Ave Suite 245, PO Box 922 on Tuesday or Thursday between 12pm and 3pm or call for an appointment. They will distribute cloth masks during those hours as well.

Konza United Way

555 Poyntz Ave Suite 245, PO Box 922
(785) 776-3779
http://www.konzaunitedway.org/

3. Can I donate medical supplies like N95 masks?

The following items are ones that will be needed as the COVID-19 pandemic continues for a period an unknown duration:

• Isolation gowns
• N95 and earloop masks
• Hand sanitizer
• Face shields and goggles
• Surface disinfectant
• Powered and controlled air purifying respirators (PAPRs and CAPRs)
• Non-sterile box gloves

To donate items to Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan or Wamego Health Center, please call Tina Rockhold, Executive Director of both the Mercy Community Health Foundation and the Wamego Hospital Foundation at 785-458-7380/ 785-587-5462.

Note: The hospital cannot accept handmade, cloth masks or any other non-manufactured medical equipment or supplies.

4. Where can I get help with food?

School Sites will be serving a hot to go lunches with a cold breakfast for the next day at the locations listed below from 11:30-12:30 at no cost for any child ages 1-18 regardless of if they are typically free, reduced or full pay. We are planning on a curb side pickup in an effort to reduce social contact.

• Bluemont Elementary pickup will be on the west side of the building
• Amanda Arnold Elementary School pickup will be in the front of the building
• Northview Elementary School pickup will be in the front of the building
• Ogden Elementary pickup will be in the front of the building
• Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School pickup will be on the east side of the building
• Woodrow Wilson Elementary pickup will be on the north side of the building
• Marlatt Elementary School pick up on the west side of the building

We will also have cold sack lunches with the next days breakfast available for children to pick up in the following locations from 11:30-12:30 at no cost for any child ages 1-18 regardless of if they are typically free, reduced or full pay. We are planning on a curb side pickup in an effort to reduce social contact.

• Colonial Gardens Mobile Home Park, 3000 Tuttle Creek Blvd
• Hillside Apartments 711 Dondee Drive
• Redbud Estates, 2500 Farm Bureau Road
• Riverchase Mobile Home Park, 4440 Tuttle Creek Blvd
• Scenic Woods Apartments - 401 Hunter Place
• Highland Ridge Apartments - 509 Stone Drive

Other places for food help are:

• Common Table meals are available to pick up from local churches. 
  • Information is available at https://www.facebook.com/Common-Table-724597210921610 
• Manhattan Soup Kitchen https://www.facebook.com/manhattanSoupKitchen 
• Flint Hills Breadbasket https://www.flinthillsbreadbasket.org/ 
• Shepherd’s Crossing https://www.shepherdscrossing.info/ 

5. Who can I ask for help?

Shepherd’s Crossing is helping distribute food cards to people who need assistance. Please click here to contact Shepherd’s Crossing at if you would like to apply for assistance. 

6. Where can I donate money to help local residents in MHK?

MHK Together is accepting online donations of money through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mhktogether/ 

With the money, they are purchasing food cards which will be distributed through Shepherd’s Crossing.  Please click here to contact Shepherd’s Crossing at if you would like to apply for assistance. 

7. Where can I drop off non-food donations?

Please drop off non-food essential items (diapers, wipes, household goods, etc--NOT food) at the Manhattan Emergency Shelter at 416 S 4th Street. Individuals are instructed to leave things on the table at the side door then someone will come out and get the donation. The Emergency Shelter is open 8am to 9pm. Phone number is 785-537-3113.

The USD383 Fit Closet is also accepting donations. Find more information at https://www.fitcloset.org/ 

8. How do I talk to my kids about COVID-19?

Based on recent research, children are not at a higher risk for COVID-19 than adults, however, with kids at home and events canceled, you may find kids and teens in your life curious about what Coronavirus is.

By using the CDC’s guidelines for age-appropriate explanations of COVID-19, you can help the young people in your life build a better understanding of how they can stay safe and what they can do to help stop the spread.

Early Elementary School Children

Provide brief, simple information that balances COVID-19 facts with appropriate reassurances that adults are there to help keep them healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick. Give simple examples of the steps people make every day to stop germs and stay healthy, such as washing hands. Emphasize that adults are working hard to keep them safe.

Upper Elementary and Early Middle School Children

This age group often is more vocal in asking questions about whether they indeed are safe and what will happen if COVID-19 spreads in their area. They may need assistance separating reality from rumor and fantasy. Discuss the efforts national, state, and community leaders are doing to prevent germs from spreading.

Upper Middle and High School Students

Issues can be discussed in more depth. Refer them to appropriate sources of COVID-19 facts. Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Engage them in decision-making about family plans, scheduling, and helping with chores at home.