News

Basic hygiene and material needs for families in Harvey County are now more accessible thanks to a partnership between USD 373 and Harvey County United Way.

The organizations jointly announce the installation of the Railer Boxcar, a closet of items available to children ages 0-18 in Newton Public Schools. The Boxcar is accessible via the child’s school social worker or counselor who can access the Boxcar to privately address the needs of the family.

“The Railer Boxcar was brought to our attention by one of our board members who heard a presentation about the program. The board and I were immediately interested. United Way focuses in the areas of health, education, and income stability, and Boxcar aims to address all of those areas,” said Dalton Reynolds-Black, executive director of Harvey County United Way.

A student intern, senior Mackenzie Jewers, maintains the donations that come in for the Boxcar, which is housed inside Newton High School. A working washer and dryer allow clothes to be laundered for families lacking access to laundry facilities.

Anyone can donate to the Boxcar and community partnerships make the effort possible. Those community partners include: Newton Et Cetera Shop, Newton Community Foundation, Trinity Heights UMC, and KMS, LLC Wholesale Partners (Hutchinson).

“We believe that when we invest in our youth, we're investing in our futures. Every child deserves to have clean clothes, plenty of food and a place to feel safe,” Reynolds-Black said.

The Newton Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Boxcar on Wednesday afternoon.