MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
For nearly five decades, First Call for Help has been a lifeline for Reno County residents in need — and next year, the organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary of offering vital assistance and hope to thousands.
First Call for Help was founded by community advocate Susie Christopher, who, back in the 1970s, recognized the simple yet powerful need for struggling families to have access to basic hygiene supplies. What began in a janitor’s closet at Memorial Hall has grown into a comprehensive community resource with more than a dozen active programs.
“Susie started with just shampoo, soap and toothbrushes for people who didn’t have them,” said Dr. Marilyn Graham, executive director of First Call for Help. “Now, we have 14 or 15 different programs that touch so many areas of people’s lives.”
A Place to Turn for Many Needs
First Call for Help provides direct assistance and connects clients with a network of community partners. “If we can’t help, we’ll find someone in the community who can,” Graham said.
Residents of Reno County can qualify for services by providing proof of residence, household identification and income verification. Many clients walk through the doors with little to nothing, and the organization works to help them obtain IDs, housing, or other basic needs to get back on their feet.
The nonprofit’s headquarters at 17 West 2nd Street is open for walk-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with appointments available Monday, Wednesday and Friday for those who prefer more privacy.
Meeting Back-to-School Needs: Adopt a Student
One of First Call’s newest programs is its “Adopt a Student” initiative, which aims to ease the burden of back-to-school expenses for families. With school supply costs on the rise, the organization provides about 2,000 backpacks annually to local students.
“We want every child to walk into class on the first day with the same new pencils, notebooks, crayons and a backpack,” said Graham, a former teacher and principal. “For that brief moment, every student is equal.”
The program invites individuals and businesses to sponsor a student for about $67, covering the cost of supplies and a quality backpack. Donations stretch even further because First Call can purchase items tax-exempt and often benefit from matching contributions by local retailers.
Helping Prevent Evictions and Utility Shutoffs
Another critical service First Call for Help provides is eviction prevention. If a family receives a 30-day eviction notice, First Call steps in to work with landlords and help pay what’s needed to keep people in their homes — buying time and helping families create a plan for stability.
“No money ever goes directly to clients,” Graham explained. “Payments go to landlords or utility companies. And many landlords are really willing to work with us.”
Other Ways They Keep Families Warm and Well
First Call for Help also runs the “Head to Toe for Reno County” program, distributing hand-knit hats, scarves, mittens and socks to families during the coldest months of the year. Volunteers in the community make and donate these items, and anyone can walk in and pick up what they need.
For those facing out-of-town medical appointments that can’t be handled locally, the nonprofit can help cover travel costs by providing gas vouchers — another example of meeting everyday needs that can otherwise feel out of reach for struggling households.
Still Driven by the Community Spirit
Graham knows firsthand the power of saying “yes” instead of “no” when someone needs help — a lesson she’s carried with her since she was persuaded out of retirement eight years ago to lead the nonprofit.
“I want things done quickly and in a caring way,” she said. “I never want someone to feel like they’re alone when they come to us.”
How to Get Involved
First Call for Help relies on donations and volunteers to continue its mission. Anyone interested in supporting programs like Adopt a Student or Head to Toe can drop off contributions or reach out directly.
For more information, visit First Call for Help at 17 West 2nd Street in Hutchinson, call (620) 662-3629, or visit their website at www.firstcallreno.com.