Hutchinson Salvation Army
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the end of Kansas Cold Weather Rule on April 1, requests for funds are coming in faster than ever to the Hutchinson Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut has become a one stop headquarters for year-round aid and is a location for other organizations.
Currently, VITA is in the final stages of helping seniors and low income get taxes filed through volunteer help at their building. Most weekdays the Salvation Army also hosts Friendship Meals for seniors; provides headquarters for the Reno County Food Bank; furnishes cooling fans in the summer, blankets and clothing throughout the year, helps disabled and others in need manage assistance funds along with a variety of other year-round aid.
2023 Christmas fund raising came in about $20,000 short of the previous year, which limits year round assistance. As of mid-March the Salvation Army was down about $23,000 for the fiscal year that started last October.
James says the past two years have been challenging and difficult with 2023 coming up short by $40,000 compared with 2021 and 2022. This year they are even further behind where they need to be to help those who come to their building.
"Growing need, limited resources, pretty well sums up our current situation," said James. United Way of Reno County support continues to be a critical asset to allowing the Salvation Army to help more people.
Along with monetary donations, James says there's a list of personal care items needed to serve an increasing number of requests from those who are homeless. Those who can help boost the supply can drop supplies by the Salvation Army office any weekday between 8 a.m and 5 p.m.
Needed items include bars of soap, small bottles of laundry detergent, toilet paper, diapers sizes 3 through 6, wipes, combs and hairbrushes, deodorant for men and women, shampoo and conditioner.
Anyone with questions is welcome to call Major Paul James or his wife, DJ, at (620) 663-3353.
You may drop off donations at The Salvation Army’s office located at 700 N Walnut, or send your donations in the Salvation Army return envelopes from their mailers. There has been confusion with their Iowa return address, but please know that all donations get processed at a central facility and return to their Hutchinson, KS bank accounts. Please call Major James at 620-663-3353 with any questions on how to donate or if you’d like to make an online donation.
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