MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
As families prepare for the new school year, First Call for Help is inviting the community to step up and help provide essential school supplies for Reno County students through its annual “Adopt-a-Student” program.
Each year, the local nonprofit provides backpacks filled with school supplies to an average of 2,000 students enrolled in both public and private schools across Reno County. For the 2025-26 school year, First Call for Help is asking individuals, businesses and community groups to consider sponsoring one or more students.
For a donation of $67 per student, donors can cover the cost of a backpack filled with age-appropriate supplies. To add a personal touch, each sponsored student will receive a card in their backpack that reads: “Here’s to a great school year! Your school supplies have been donated with funding provided by [donor’s name] care of First Call for Help.”
Donations can be mailed to First Call for Help at P.O. Box 2203, Hutchinson, KS 67504-2203 or dropped off in person at their office at 17 West Second Avenue on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A secure mail drop box is also available outside the office for after-hours donations. All donations for this year’s program must be received by August 1.
Students must pre-register to receive supplies. Pre-registration for qualifying families is open now through July 31 for children in kindergarten through 12th grade who attend Reno County schools.
To learn more about the program or to donate, contact First Call for Help at 620-669-0159 or stop by their office at 17 West Second Ave. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.