By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
When members of the Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol & Rescue Squad (MPRS) say "at your service," they mean it.
Since mid-April, the 24-member group has been delivering essential items to people in Saline County who are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19. The service is possible, in part, thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Salina Area United Way's COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Through the program, MPRS members pickup and deliver necessities such as groceries and prescriptions. The service is offered free of charge to Saline County citizens in need.
"We noticed other counties had groups offering to pick up and deliver essential items and when we were looking for a way to help during the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified this as an area that we could be of service," Deputy Cain Humphrey told Salina Post.
Because of the grant from the Salina Area United Way, MPRS was able to purchase personal protective equipment that then provided them the ability to help others.
"This allowed us to offer this service while limiting exposure to those members of the community who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 while also protecting our members," Humphrey said.
It would appear that their efforts have been well received.
"We were met with open arms and so much appreciation. Tears at times even and comments like, 'this help came just in time,'" Humphrey said of the people the group has assisted.
The group's efforts to help, however, have not been limited to this delivery service.
On Saturday, MPRS joined forces with the Salina Area United Way, North Salina Community Development, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation to deliver 160 essential supply kits to those in need. The kits included food items, hygiene items, and grocery coupons and gift cards to several locations around Salina.
"These three groups were instrumental in organizing and making these supplies available and we took part in putting them together and delivering them," Humphrey explained.
Additionally, MPRS members also have taken deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPE) from both federal and state stockpiles, secured these supplies, and assisted with their delivery, while working with Saline County Emergency Management.
Humphrey stressed, however, that the program to deliver essentials to members of the community who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 is ongoing.
"It is important to note that we are still available should folks need us," Humphrey said.
To arrange this service contact MPRS Commander Bill Cooke at 620-200-2931 or Humphrey at 785-826-6393.