MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
As families begin preparing for the upcoming school year, the Salvation Army and First Call for Help are asking the community to help ensure Reno County students have the supplies they need to start classes with confidence.
The two organizations are partnering with Walmart for a school supply drive Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walmart store, 1905 E. 17th Ave. in Hutchinson. Volunteers will be on hand with lists of needed items and will collect donations for local students.
Dr. Marilyn Graham, executive director of First Call for Help, said the organization has provided backpacks filled with school supplies to more than 2,000 Reno County students in recent years. She said the cost of providing a mid-priced backpack with supplies now averages about $77 per child, creating a significant burden for many families.
Graham, who spent 40 years as a teacher and administrator in USD 308, said new school supplies do more than meet classroom requirements.
"On that very first day of school, everyone can walk in with new pencils, new crayons, their backpack, or whatever," Graham said. "For one brief moment, everyone is equal."
Major Paul James of the Salvation Army said families continue to struggle with rising costs, including housing, utilities and food, making back-to-school expenses even more challenging.
"We run out of rent and utility assistance within the first two days of the month," James said, noting the growing demand for assistance throughout the community.
The organizations are particularly seeking larger backpacks for middle and high school students, notebook paper, spiral notebooks, pencils and large pink erasers. Graham said while larger backpacks are often in short supply, every donation helps.
"The simplest answer is everything," Graham said. "We just need everything to meet the need."
In addition to school supplies, First Call for Help plans to provide qualifying families with clothing vouchers for Fair Price Clothing and haircuts to help students begin the school year prepared.
James said the organizations could also use additional volunteers to assist with the collection drive. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact either the Salvation Army or First Call for Help.
Those unable to donate during the weekend drive can drop off school supplies afterward at either First Call for Help, at Fourth Avenue and Severance Street, or the Salvation Army, 700 N. Walnut St. Donations are accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.