Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library! With everything going on currently I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. This week I’d like to share some resources for anyone who might need them in this difficult time. These are also places to donate to if you are looking for a way to help right now.  

First off I’d like to highlight assistance specifically for seniors. The Great Bend Senior Center is currently closed, but they are offering carry-out meals every day. You can call them and then go through the drive-through between 11-11:30 the next day, for a hot meal to take home. Perkins is also offering hot meals to seniors and you can call them or go online to order from a senior menu. They are offering a main dish and two sides which you can choose. After placing your order you can drive up and they will bring out your meal to you. Great Bend Coffee is also giving out hot meals. You can call them to order something for pick-up as well. I spoke with the owner and she told me that they had served over 70 meals on Tuesday alone. They are offering these meals for free, but welcome freewill donations. 

There are a few other places offering assistance to anyone who is in need. The food bank is offering meals to those in need. They ask that you call in between 12:30-2:40 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Then you can pick up your meal through their drive-through. The food bank is not taking food donations at this time but they are taking monetary donations. The Dream Center is offering free hot meals as well. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, they are serving coffee and donuts between 10-11:30 a.m. Between 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. you can call to pick up a hot meal. They are also handing out hygiene supplies. The Dream Center is accepting food donations as well as hygiene products or household items such as cleaners or laundry detergent. For those needing other assistance, there is the 24-hour Family Crisis line available to help anyone that may need their assistance. The Emergency Aid Center is still open and will be ready to assist those who may need help with rent and bills when this is all over.

For library information or questions, please visit our Facebook page or website greatbendpl.info. Even though the library is closed, we are still here to help. You can message us on Facebook or email at gbcirc@gmail.com.

I hope this information will be helpful for any of you out there looking for assistance or a way to give back. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

Hannah Grippin is the outreach and marketing manager for the Great Bend Public Library. She can be reached by email at gbcirc@gmail.com.