Hutchinson businesses are taking part in the, “Stuff the Bus,” event again this year, collecting items needed for local families affected by domestic and sexual violence. Area financial institutions, schools, and businesses have placed decorated donation boxes in their lobbies and will accept donations into early December.

Officials with the Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Center in Hutchinson say that in one year, they help as many as 12-hundred people, either through the Domestic Violence Center, or the Child Visitation and Exchange Center. That includes answering crisis calls, offering monitored child visitations, providing confidential support groups, or providing emergency shelter for those in need. Women, men and children fleeing abusive households often leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Candace Dixon who is the Executive Director of the center says, “We provide those families somewhere safe to go. It’s heartwarming to see the community coming together during the holiday season to give their neighbors a fresh start.”

Business owners enjoy the event as well according to Dixon which includes Central Bank and Trust.” “Just by the nature of its mission, does not get a lot of publicity, but we are very aware of the tremendous role they play in out community, assisting victims of abuse and violence,” said CFO, Russell Reinert. He adds, “our staff is working hard to decorate the collection boxes and to promote the event to our employees and customers. We encourage all in our community to stop by a Central Bank and Trust branch and be a part of this great effort.”

Dixon invites you to visit their website at www.sadvchutch.org., for more information, or you can call them at 620-665-3630.