Local Organizations Launch Dual Initiative: Book Distribution, Back-to-School Supply Drive
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two complementary initiatives are working together to support Hutchinson youth through literacy programs and educational resources, creating a comprehensive approach to student success.
Free Book Distribution Program
Hutch In Harmony has received its first Legacies Building Grant from Kansas Pride 2024 to distribute free books focusing on diversity and representation to young people in local communities. The grassroots social justice organization partnered with Simona Sankoh, also known as Thug Passion Mr. Kansas Pride 2024, to secure the grant funding through Sankoh's Legacies Grant program, which aims to build bridges and create better futures for youth across Kansas.
"Thug chose to unite HIH with Left On Read to provide books to children within communities for free," Hutchinson PRIDE announced on social media. "We could not be more proud of the work that she has done to make this happen."
Working alongside Left on Read, a Wichita-based organization, and the Hutchinson NAACP Youth, Hutch In Harmony will curate upcoming "Lit for Free Pop-Ups" featuring carefully selected books that center representation, justice, and liberation. These identity-affirming books are chosen to allow youth to see themselves, their stories, and their futures reflected in literature.
The organization aims to distribute intentional, inspirational and identity-affirming books that allow youth to see themselves, their stories and their futures reflected in literature. The initiative emphasizes providing books that center justice, liberation and lived experiences.
"Books that let them see themselves, their stories, and their futures on every page. The best part? They'll receive them for FREE!" organizers posted.
Back-to-School Supply Drive Initiative
Complementing the literacy program, Wisdom in Motion and Hutch in Harmony are hosting the "Equipped to Learn" giveaway on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 314 W. 1st Avenue, Suite B. This community-driven supply drive will provide free backpacks and USD 308-approved school supplies to local students in need.
The Hutchinson Youth City Council is supporting the event, emphasizing the community's commitment to investing in student success. The supply drive represents what organizers call "community care in action," building a stronger Hutchinson one backpack at a time.
Community Supply Drive Needs
To support these ongoing initiatives, community members can contribute to supply drives in several ways:
Book Drive Needs:
- Age-appropriate books featuring diverse characters and stories
- Books by authors from underrepresented communities
- Educational materials focusing on social justice themes
- Children's and young adult literature that promotes inclusion
School Supply Drive Needs:
- Backpacks (new or gently used)
- Notebooks and composition books
- Pencils, pens, and colored pencils
- Folders and binders
- Glue sticks and scissors
- Calculators and rulers
- Art supplies
How to Contribute: Community members wishing to donate supplies or books can contact Hutch In Harmony at unitinghutchinson@gmail.com or (620) 888-5040. The organization, located at 11 E. Sherman St., welcomes monetary donations as well as physical supplies.
Community Impact
Both initiatives reflect Hutch In Harmony's broader mission as a grassroots social justice organization that encourages community bridge-building. The organization recently participated in the National Good Trouble Lives On rally, providing Know Your Rights resources, voter registration tools, and information about grassroots organizing opportunities.
The "Equipped to Learn" event will feature additional family-friendly activities including a bounce house, hot dogs, chips, and drinks, creating a welcoming environment for all participants. The combination of literary resources and school supplies creates a comprehensive support system for student success.
Families with students in USD 308 are encouraged to attend both the book distribution pop-ups and the July 26 supply giveaway. Additional information about upcoming events will be announced through Hutch In Harmony's social media channels.
These collaborative efforts demonstrate how local organizations can work together to address multiple aspects of educational support, from fostering literacy through diverse representation to ensuring students have the basic supplies needed for academic success.
Hutch In Harmony, located at 11 E. Sherman St., describes itself as a grassroots social justice organization that encourages community bridge-building.
The organization recently participated in the National Good Trouble Lives On rally, commemorating Congressman John Lewis and his advocacy for civil rights. During that event, they provided Know Your Rights resources, voter registration tools, solidarity buttons and information about grassroots organizing opportunities.
The book distribution program represents part of Hutch In Harmony's broader mission to equip communities with knowledge and resources for social justice advocacy. Additional information about upcoming book distribution events will be announced through the organization's social media channels.
Interested community members can contact Hutch In Harmony at unitinghutchinson@gmail.com or (620) 888-5040.
