MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Families across Reno County will have multiple opportunities to receive free school supplies, books, food and connections to community resources during several back-to-school events in early August.
Carla Stanfield, director of communications and marketing for United Way of Reno County, said the events are designed to do more than distribute backpacks and supplies by connecting families with local nonprofit organizations that can provide ongoing assistance.
The first event, Equip to Learn, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Southwest Bricktown location, hosted by Wisdom in Motion and Hutch in Harmony. Families will be able to receive backpacks and school supplies while also learning about community services available to help meet household needs.
Later that day, the Back-to-School Rally will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Salt Hawk Activity Center. The event is a partnership between Foundation of Life Ministries and Convoy of Hope's Hope Wichita program. In addition to school supplies, organizers will provide food and opportunities for families to connect with local nonprofit agencies.
Stanfield said the events are especially valuable for households classified as ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — families who are working but often struggle to cover everyday expenses.
She said many families must choose between purchasing school supplies and paying essential bills such as utilities, making free community events like these an important resource before the school year begins.
United Way will also expand one of its signature literacy programs beyond Hutchinson this year.
The organization's United Read Connect event will be held Monday, Aug. 10, during Fairfield Elementary School's back-to-school night. Organizers plan to distribute approximately 800 Scholastic books along with school supplies and food. The event will also feature activities for children, including inflatables, and participation from community partners such as the Reno County Sheriff's Office and the Reno County Food Bank.
Stanfield said taking the program to Fairfield reflects United Way's goal of serving communities throughout Reno County rather than focusing solely on Hutchinson. She noted the organization's Reno Connections program is also expanding its outreach across the county to better connect residents with available services.
United Way is also partnering with the Salvation Army for its annual Beat the Heat event on July 29. Beginning at 8 a.m., the event will bring together people experiencing homelessness to assess local needs, connect participants with services and distribute supplies to help them cope with extreme summer temperatures. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m.
Stanfield said the organization's work is made possible through the generosity of Reno County residents and businesses, allowing United Way to support local agencies and provide assistance to families facing financial challenges.