By Mindy Kepfield

Staff writer

Marion County’s Sheriff’s Office is extending a standing offer of help to people who are unable to shop for food and medicine during an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

Officers will pick up and deliver orders from grocers and pharmacies to resident’s homes at no charge.

Stores in Marion, Hillsboro and Peabody are aware of the countywide effort and will call the department if they are needed.

“We just thought, maybe with everything going on, this would help someone who can’t get out for one reason or another,” said sheriff Rob Craft.

All of the county’s grocery stores offer free delivery to their customers, but the department wants to lend a hand if they become swamped with too many orders.

“We did not want people to go without either,” he said. “We had to jump in and help that in some way.”

The best way to arrange for the service is to call the grocery or pharmacy, place an order and settle the bill.

Staff will call the department and an available officer will pick it up and deliver to the address they are given.

Residents may also call the sheriff’s office at (620) 382-2144 with a request.

Officers ask that delivery requests only be made for needed items.

“We are not hoping for a truckload,” said Craft. “A few necessary items and things, not monthly grocery shopping.”

The department’s 10 officers wanted to launch a volunteer effort that would help vulnerable people and noticed similar efforts by law enforcement in other cities.

Craft said the grocery deliveries will not interfere with the officer’s regular duties.

“If we get a call partway to a resident’s house, we will have to answer and then get back to you, but we will get back to you,” Craft said.