By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The community is stepping up to try to fill the gap of the USD 489 grab-and-go meal program that had to be closed this week because an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Hays McDonald's has agreed to drop the price of its Happy Meals to $1 each from April 20 to 24. The price will be honored at both the McDonald's north and south locations. No special coupon is needed to take advantage of the offer.
Becky Rogowski, secretary of the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, said $1 per meal per child is going to be too much for some families.
The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance is raising funds to provide free meals for needy families. ECMA is working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County to identify the families in most need.
If the ECMA raises enough money, it will cover all meals for all children.
Rogowski said the school district was providing 1,600 meals per day five days per week as of earlier this week.
That also included breakfast for the following morning.
USD 489 announced Thursday night it would close its grab-and-go meal program. An employee tested positive for COVID-19 from an exposure outside of work, USD 489 said in a news release.
The individual did not come in direct contact with students, families or volunteers, according to USD 489.
The program has been temporarily suspended as a precaution until April 26.
Donations are needed as soon as possible. They can be made through Venmo through Rogowski or Heidi Wasmer, USD 489 teacher, at @Becky-Rogowski or @Heidi-Wamser. You can also make donations using PayPal, credit card using Rogowski's Square, check or cash.
For more information on donating, contact Rogowski at 785-623-0179 or Heidi Wamser at 785-259-3821.