HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As colder weather approaches, the Salvation Army in Hutchinson is preparing to distribute winter clothing to Reno County residents this weekend while continuing to accept applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance.
The organization's annual Coats for Kids and Adults distribution is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Salvation Army, 700 N. Walnut St.
Major Paul James said the distribution will provide coats, hats, gloves and blankets to residents in need as winter approaches.
The schedule includes:
- Friday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon for senior citizens only.
- Friday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. for all ages.
- Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon for all ages.
James said the organization adjusted its distribution schedule after noticing that some parents were removing their children from school to receive coats during daytime hours.
"We noticed that parents were taking their kids out of school," James said. "So we're doing it in the evening from four to seven this Friday, and then Saturday from nine to noon."
Adults must bring photo identification, while children must be present to receive coats so they can try them on and ensure a proper fit. No appointments are necessary.
James said children's coats remain one of the organization's greatest needs.
"We need a lot more kids' coats," he said.
Residents with gently used coats their children have outgrown are encouraged to donate them at I Need a Cleaners, which cleans the clothing before it is distributed.
The Salvation Army is also partnering with the local unhoused coalition Saturday to provide soup and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with community resources during the colder months.
The coat distribution is one of several assistance efforts underway as the Salvation Army prepares for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The organization is accepting applications for its 2026 seasonal assistance programs, which provide Thanksgiving food assistance and Christmas gifts and meals for eligible Reno County households.
Thanksgiving assistance includes a gift card to help with food purchases.
For Christmas, eligible households receive a Christmas food box and gifts for dependent children ages 12 and younger.
Families with children ages 13 through 17 are encouraged to register those children for gifts through First Call for Help while applying separately for Christmas food assistance through the Salvation Army.
Applications can be completed online at saangeltree.org through Dec. 2. Residents seeking Thanksgiving assistance must apply by Nov. 19.
In-person applications are available at 700 N. Walnut St. from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 and 19.
Applicants must provide photo identification, proof of address, proof of income and Social Security cards or other legal identification for dependent children.
All Reno County residents who meet the organization's income guidelines are eligible to apply.
For 2026, the maximum monthly household income is $1,995 for one person, $2,705 for two people, $3,415 for three people and $4,125 for four people. The income limit increases by $710 for each additional household member.
James said the organization is seeing approximately the same level of demand for holiday assistance as in recent years, with roughly 400 families expected to be registered as applications are processed.
The Salvation Army is also seeking volunteers for several upcoming Christmas activities.
Volunteers will be needed Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to help prepare approximately 800 to 1,200 food boxes.
Additional volunteers are needed Dec. 15 and 16 to sort donated toys and prepare shopping tables, with two-hour shifts available from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
The organization's Christmas food and toy distribution is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18.
Volunteers will help stock tables, escort parents as they select gifts and load food boxes, fresh items and blankets into vehicles during the drive-thru distribution. Two-hour volunteer shifts will be available between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Major DJ James at 620-663-3353 or DJ.James@usc.salvationarmy.org.
James said the Salvation Army's goal is to make sure residents have access to needed resources during the winter and holiday season.