MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army in Hutchinson is accepting applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance as the holiday season approaches. Families in need can apply either online or in person at the Salvation Army office at 700 North Walnut Street. In-person applications are accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. You can apply online at this link. Applications for Thanksgiving assistance will be accepted until Nov. 18, while the deadline to apply for Christmas assistance is Dec. 5.
The annual Project Concern fundraiser, hosted by KWBW Radio, is also underway. This year marks the 32nd year of the community effort, which has raised nearly half a million dollars since its inception to help provide Thanksgiving meals to local families. The 2025 campaign kicked off Monday and runs through the Monday before Thanksgiving.
Listeners wishing to donate can stop by the EAGLE Media studios at 825 N. Main Street in Hutchinson, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Donations must be made in the form of cash or check, as credit cards are not accepted. A portion of the funds raised will also support Friendship Meals and the Christian Soup Ministry.
In 2024, Project Concern brought in $11,643, providing holiday meal assistance to 752 families—impacting more than 2,635 individuals in the Hutchinson area. Organizers are hopeful the community will show similar generosity again this year.
“We're very excited to launch Project Concern for the 32nd time this year. It's a very special thing for this radio station,” said KWBW’s Rob Dreher. “Here at KWBW, we have helped thousands of people over the years, and we're going to need to help more this year. Whatever we give, the Salvation Army is going to put it to use so people can have a better Thanksgiving.”
Dreher noted that the drive’s success varies each year depending on the level of community support. “Last year, we raised just over $11,600. The year before, a couple of really big checks helped us raise $20,000.”
The deadline to donate to Project Concern is Monday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m.
For more information on holiday assistance or how to contribute, contact the Salvation Army of Reno County or visit the KWBW Studios at 825 N. Main Street.