MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A coalition of Hutchinson-area churches is stepping in to support local students this fall through "Operation Backpack," a community-wide school supply initiative organized in partnership with First Call for Help.
The program is a shift from previous years, when churches participated in the annual Convoy of Hope event. Due to construction at the Kansas State Fairgrounds and other logistical challenges, the large-scale Convoy event could not be held this year. In response, Pastor Matt Stafford of First Congregational Church and other faith leaders redirected their efforts and resources to support First Call for Help’s “Operation Back to School” drive.
“This year, we’re calling it Operation Backpack,” Stafford said. “We still wanted to help our community, and this was a perfect way to do it.”
Monetary donations to Operation Backpack made by August 10 will be matched 100%, doubling their impact. Donations should be made out to First Call for Help and can be mailed or dropped off at their office at 17 W. Second Ave., Hutchinson, KS. Donors are encouraged to call ahead at 620-669-0159 to confirm office hours, which are typically Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The funds will be used to purchase quality backpacks and essential school supplies for students in USD 308 and surrounding districts. Distribution will take place by appointment only from August 11–14, with families needing to call First Call for Help to schedule a time.
Stafford noted that while past Convoy of Hope events included large-scale volunteer operations, much of the backpack assembly this year will be handled by Dillon’s employees through the company's volunteer program.
“We still want to help hundreds of families, just like we’ve done before,” Stafford said. “This is a chance for churches and businesses who were generous in the past to step up again—and have their contributions go twice as far.”
In previous years, Convoy of Hope in Hutchinson served more than 1,400 people, distributing over 1,000 backpacks and thousands of bags of groceries.
Stafford emphasized that this year’s effort is grounded in the churches’ mission of service.
“We’re not doing this to earn anything. We do this because of the grace and love of God that’s already been given to us,” he said. “It’s a practical way to help our neighbors and live out our faith.”
For more information, call First Call for Help at 620-669-0159 or visit their office at 17 W. Second Ave. Donations must be received by August 10 to qualify for the matching campaign.