Reno County students equipped with over 600 backpacks at back-to-school giveaway
Local organizations team up to provide school supplies, free haircuts and community resources
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Sign up freeHUTCHINSON, Kan. — More than 600 Reno County students are heading into the new academic year with fully stocked backpacks following the Equipped to Learn event held over the weekend by Hutch in Harmony and Wisdom in Motion. Over 400 students attended the back-to-school giveaway in person, with additional scheduled pickups pushing the total supplies distributed past 600 bags.
Supported by numerous local organizations, the gathering featured food from Tacos El Trebol, shaved ice from The Flingin' Penguin and fresh fruit from Aguas Frescas y Frutas. Face painting and a drawing contest rounded out the day, helping ensure families felt empowered and prepared for the upcoming school year.
The extensive community effort relied on volunteers from the Volunteer Center of Reno County and the Hutchinson NAACP Youth, who hauled boxes, directed traffic and helped distribute the supplies. Hutchinson Community College Cosmetology & Barber students and staff attended to offer a free haircut this semester to every registered child, while the Hutchinson Zoo brought along a special guest, Victor the snake.
Educational support was also a major focus, with the Hutchinson Public Library, Lil' Hawks Early Childhood Programs and the United Way of Reno County supplying books and learning resources for local families.
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