In times of need, the Kearney community demonstrated once again, when help is needed, they rise to the occasion.

*The 2014 Ford E350 seats up to 14 passengers and is in service approximately 4 – 8 times a week*

On November 6, 2020, the Enrichment Council announced it had applied for a $10,000 grant through Clay County Senior Services to acquire a 2014 Ford E350 to provide vital transportation for local seniors and youth. The organization generously doubled that amount, allocating a grant of $20,000 to be used towards the purchase of the vehicle. The City of Kearney also pitched in and committed $20,000 in CARES Act funding to further aid in the purchase.

The van was purchased from Midwest Transit Equipment in December. It seats up to 14 passengers and is in service approximately 4 – 8 times a week.

On February 23rd, 2021, staff members realized the catalytic converter had been taken from the van while parked in front of their facility. It was essential to get the van back on the road as soon as possible in order to transport community members to receive their vaccinations and pick up youth for after-school programs.

As one might expect of the Kearney community, Kearney Muffler arranged to repair the vehicle and get it back in service immediately. What Community Center staff members were not prepared for was the expense of the repairs.

Community Center staff reached out to the Kearney Community, and once again, they did not disappoint. A fundraising initiative was started on the center’s Facebook page to raise money for the repairs to the van and within hours, the goal was reached.

Once the repairs are completed, the Community Center will work with the City of Kearney to store the van in a more secure location.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call the Kearney Police Department at 816-407-3700

KPGZ News – Jim Dickerson contributed to this story