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1. 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/

2. Where can I get help with food?

Locations for food assistance:

• Cat’s Cupboard K-State food pantry https://www.k-state.edu/cats-cupboard/ 
• 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/ 

3. 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 or if you would like to apply for assistance. 

4. 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 if you would like to apply for assistance. 

5. 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/ 

6. 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.