Sangamon Sun

HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital has announced its annual Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive, scheduled for July 17. The event will take place in front of the hospital and aims to collect school supplies for local students while providing children an opportunity to see emergency vehicles up close.

Abigail Salzeider, MSNED, RN, Nurse Manager of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the children's hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the event: “We look forward to this event every year, since it combines our mission and fun.” She noted that community residents can donate school supplies and allow youngsters an interactive experience with emergency vehicles.

The event also provides special moments for pediatric patients at the hospital. They will have private time to view the emergency vehicles and interact with local police officers and firefighters.

Donations of new school supplies can be made at designated locations until July 14 or brought directly to the event on July 17. The public is invited to bring donations and view emergency vehicles from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A list of needed school supplies is available on the event's Amazon Wish List. Donations can be dropped off during business hours at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital lobby, SIU Women and Children’s Clinic, or America Ambulance in Springfield. Contributions can also be mailed to HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital addressed to Abigail Salzeider.