HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It is the second weekend for the Hutchinson Fire Department school supply drive.

The fire department is holding its third annual drive to make sure students in area elementary schools have the supplies they need. “Friday from 4-8 in the evening we’ll be at the Dillons on 5th St., the Dillons on 30th and Walmart. Then again Saturday at all three locations from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. collecting school supplies,” Tony Arpin of the Hutchinson Fire Department said.

The fire department does their school supply collection a little differently from some other area agencies. “They go right to the schools,” Arpin said. “This year we sent out an order form to all the schools and they let us know their specific needs because they know what they need,” Arpin said.

The fire department hopes to be able to share the generosity with all of the elementary schools around Hutchinson. “We give to all of the area schools. Not only the ones in Hutchinson but last year we were fortunate enough . . . we got enough supplies that we donated to Buhler grade school, South Hutchinson and Nickerson grade school, and hopefully we’ll be able to do that again this year.”

Those wanting to donate can also drop off school supplies at any Hutchinson fire station or at Allen Samuels Motors with their “Jam the Jeep” promotion through Saturday. The promotion also includes the Ramanator monster truck that will smash three cars on Saturday, along with many other activities starting at 11 a.m.

First Call For Help will also be on hand selling raffle tickets to help fund their Backpack Program which also provides school supplies for those in need.