The line was long outside Abundant Harvest for a combination event to meet ongoing needs related to COVID-19.
For two hours, volunteers with the #VaxToNormal campaign walked a nine-block line of vehicles to offer COVID-19 vaccines, answer questions, provide information and remind residents of the upcoming grand prize drawing Sept. 10. United Way Director Mickey Edwards says the information provided by Newman Regional Health was an important part of Tuesday’s effort.
Then, for about 90 minutes, those vehicles were loaded with food as part of Abundant Harvest’s monthly mobile food pantry. Abundant Harvest Director Lee Alderman says 450 families went through, clearing out a 53-foot semi trailer in the process. He says the event demonstrates an ongoing need — although not to the degree of last year.
Alderman credited the #VaxToNormal volunteers for their work and said he appreciated the partnership for the event.
Around 15 people were vaccinated. Edwards tells KVOE News a lot of the people in line reported being vaccinated, which she took as an encouraging sign.
A two-part public vaccination event is coming to the Flint Hills Technical College main campus Aug. 26 and Sept. 16. Edwards says there’s a chance more public vaccination events could be scheduled after the incentive campaign ends Sept. 10. Speaking of incentives, Edwards says the grand prize packages now involve over $11,000 worth of merchandise.
Information about #VaxToNormal is available at www.geadisasterrelieffund.org.
