HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Local families will have the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year during the Second Annual Equipped to Learn community back-to-school event on Saturday, Aug. 8.
Hosted by Wisdom in Motion in partnership with Hutch in Harmony, the free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SW Bricktown Park and the Wisdom in Motion office, 314 W. First Ave., Suite B.
Organizers are building on the success of last year's inaugural event, which attracted more than 500 community members. This year's event is expected to draw an even larger crowd while providing students with the supplies and resources they need to begin the school year prepared and confident.
Families are encouraged to pre-register to help organizers plan for attendance and ensure students receive free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last.
In addition to backpacks and school supplies, the event will offer free hygiene kits for youth through support from the Kansas Health Foundation, free clothing from the Magic Clothes Bus, information from local nonprofit organizations and community resource agencies, and details about family services and educational opportunities.
Food trucks, a bounce house and yard games will also be available, making the event a family-friendly celebration before the start of the school year.
Organizers say Equipped to Learn is designed to ensure every child feels prepared, supported and excited for a new school year while connecting families with community organizations that can continue providing assistance throughout the year.
The event also highlights the growing collaboration among nonprofit organizations, businesses, volunteers and community partners working together to remove barriers for local families and invest in the success of area children.
Families can pre-register online. Community organizations interested in participating or businesses wishing to support the event are encouraged to contact Wisdom in Motion or Hutch in Harmony for more information.