Touch a Truck School Supply Drive Set for July 10

HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital is collecting school supplies for local students ahead of its annual Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive, scheduled for July 10 in front of the hospital.

The free event gives community members the chance to donate supplies and see emergency vehicles up close. The public portion of the event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Touch-A-Truck has become a special tradition because it brings together our Mission and fun,” said Abigail Salzeider, MSNED, RN, Nurse Manager of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the children’s hospital. "As caregivers, we see every day how important it is for children to feel supported and encouraged. We are grateful for community residents who donate supplies so kids can feel confident on the first day of school.”

The event also provides a special experience for pediatric patients at the hospital, who will have private time to see the emergency vehicles and visit with local police officers and firefighters.

New school supplies may be donated through July 7 at several Springfield locations or brought directly to the event on July 10. Needed items include pencils, pens, notebooks, crayons, markers, glue, tissues and hand sanitizer.

Donations may be dropped off during business hours at SIU Women and Children’s Clinic, 400 N. 9th St.; America Ambulance, 755 Apple Orchard Road; and Springfield Fire, 600 Rickard Road.

Contributions may also be mailed to HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, ATTN: Touch a Truck, Abigail Salzeider, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62769.

More information about HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital is available at hshs.org/st-johns-childrens.