Hutchinson Fire Department Raises $55,757 in Annual School Supply Drive

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department raised $55,757.43 during its 2025 School Supply Drive to benefit area students, Fire Chief Steven R. Beer announced Tuesday.

The three-day drive, held Aug. 1-3, collected donations at multiple locations including 30th Street Dillons, 5th Street Dillons and Walmart. The fire department partnered with Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, RCB Bank and Ad Astra Radio as sponsors.

"This is the 7th year HFD has hosted the school supply drive and every year the community is very generous in their donations," Beer said in a press release.

Fire department teams collaborated with area teachers from Reno County School Districts to identify needed classroom supplies. After donations were collected, teachers distributed items to students based on need.

The drive sought various supplies including colored pencils, composition notebooks, crayons, backpacks and hygiene items like toothpaste and feminine products. Food donations included individual serving bags of snacks, bottled water and juice boxes.

Classroom supplies collected included Kleenex, lunch bags, printer paper, card stock and Ziploc bags. The department also requested gift cards for counselors, social workers and special education teachers to purchase additional supplies throughout the year.

Supplies will be distributed Aug. 6-7 to 34 schools in Reno County, including USD 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, private schools and alternative learning schools.

The fire department thanked local businesses including Hutchinson area car dealerships, RCB Bank, Home Depot, Lowe's and KMS LC for their employee donations and support.