by Katie Peterson
Special to The Leaven
On March 24, several counties throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, including Wyandotte County and Leavenworth County, were put on a stay-at-home order due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced many businesses deemed non-essential to close.
Those providing those essential services, including those owned by fellow Catholics, are soldiering on.
Pharmacy
While commercial pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are still open for the community to pick up medicine and other items they might need, The Medicine Store of Basehor is also providing services.
“We will still offer our full services of retail and compounding pharmacy, but it will be drive through and deliver only,” said Holly Gripka, The Medicine Store owner. “We feel very fortunate as a business that we’re able to stay open and that we will be here to serve the community.
“We are trying to limit exposure for the sake of the community as much as possible. . . . But we know that people still need their medications, and we plan to be here for them for that,” she said.
The Medicine Store of Basehor, is located at 15415 Pinehurst Drive, Basehor. For hours, call (913) 724-3666.
Restaurants
There are several restaurant businesses that will remain open for those who no longer cook or just want a change of pace.
Kelley’s Grille and Bar, 15540 State Ave., in Basehor, is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for curbside and carry out.
“We have a lot of elderly people that eat here five or six times a week, and we feel honored that they send their grandkids or somebody up to get the food because they don’t cook at home anymore,” said Bill Buchholz, Kelley’s owner.
“We’re doing about 1/3 of our normal business, so obviously we’ve had to work down to a skeleton crew. But we kept all of our stock and inventory in line, so everything is still top quality, good and fresh.”
For more information or to place an order, call (913) 724-1126.
Simple Simon’s Pizza, also in Basehor at 15302 Briar Road, is open for curbside pickup and delivery. For more information or to place an order, call (913) 724-4141.
Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery, 18807 158th St. Basehor, who provides wine for Christmas and Easter services to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tonganoxie, is also open for curbside pickup from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
“We’ve been here 26 years, and we have a loyal following and people have been happy that we’re offering curbside and that we’re still open,” said Michelle Meyer, Holy-Field owner. “These small local businesses need you to patronize them more than ever.
“If you haven’t ever done it, now is the time to consider patronizing them and even if they’re not open, see if they have an online presence and order from them,” Meyer continued. “We’re all in this together. I want everybody to thrive.”
Car service
Though the stay-at-home order means most people won’t be out driving, there are several that still need to. For any service need, Hund Service Inc., 1101 Metropolitan St., Leavenworth, Kan., 66048, is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We do everything from brakes and engine diagnostics, to heating, air conditioning, tire repairs, engines, transmission, tune ups,” said Pam Hund, Hund Service Inc. owner. “You name it, we do it all.
“I’m here for [the community],” Hund said. “We’re doing the best we can by keeping things clean and sanitized. We wear a new pair of disposable gloves with every new vehicle, so we don’t have to worry about going from car to car with the same pair of gloves.”
For more information or to make an appointment, call (913) 682-4002.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is still open for modified hours.
Food pantries are open 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Catholic Charities also provides shelter and healthcare.
“The services that we are still offering include our Family Support Centers, Mobile Resource Bus, Shalom House men’s shelter and Catholic Community Hospice/In-Home Support operation,” said Carol Cowdrey, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas director of marketing.
“In addition, at a few of our food pantries, we have started our Kids Summer Food Program early, providing a free, nutritious sack lunch for children up to 18 years of age.
“Individuals and families rely on Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas to provide disaster relief for the basics, including food, supplies and more,” Cowdrey said. “People in the community have been reaching out asking how they can help. We are especially in need of food, hygiene items and diapers.”
Donations may be dropped off at the Hope Distribution Center, 1708 Steele Road, Kansas City, Kansas, 66106.
“Just as our Lenten penance is meant to deepen our relationship with God and our solidarity with all who suffer as the Lord did, we can allow these inconveniences in our daily lives to direct our prayers toward those who have died, our loved ones and those who are ill or facing financial hardships,” said Lauren Solidum, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas president and CEO.
“Both at home and abroad, the coronavirus poses a threat that knows no borders. As Christians, neither does our love and concern for our neighbors.”
For other locations throughout the archdiocese, click here.
To make a financial donation or volunteer, click here.
Online business
Though some Catholic-owned businesses are not able to remain open for business, they are still able to maintain an online presence, including Soul Supply & Hardware in Leavenworth. For more information about these businesses, visit their Facebook pages.
