By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department's school supply drive is going on starting Friday. This is the fifth year for the event.
"Recently, with the wildfires and everything that we've had going on, the community has stepped up and helped us," said Fire Marshal Mike Cain. "We wanted to do something to give back. Speaking with the teachers and with the school districts, there's such a need within all of the schools."
The fire department will be at the Dillons store on E 5th, the Dillons Marketplace on E 30th, and Walmart collecting donated school supplies from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5. The program runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6 and 7.
"This year, especially, not only is, I think, there going to be a greater need with inflation and the cost of getting stuff, students that are in need aren't getting what they need, but the people that are donating, the cost for them to do that is going to be greater, too," Cain said.
Donated items can also be dropped off at Hutchinson fire stations, the command and training center on E 4th Avenue, the three RCB Bank locations in Hutchinson and at Allen Samuels CDJR.