Touch a Truck Set for July 10
June 17, 2026
While summer vacation is in full swing, HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital is already looking ahead to the first day of school by scheduling its annual, popular Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive for July 10 in front of the hospital.
“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 free event also offers special moments of joy to the hospital’s pediatric patients, since they have their own private time to see the emergency vehicles and be visited by local police officers and firefighters.
New school supplies for the drive can be donated at the locations below through July 7 or at the event. Members of the public are welcome to bring donations and see emergency vehicles up close from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 10.
Needed school supplies
“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 free event also offers special moments of joy to the hospital’s pediatric patients, since they have their own private time to see the emergency vehicles and be visited by local police officers and firefighters.
New school supplies for the drive can be donated at the locations below through July 7 or at the event. Members of the public are welcome to bring donations and see emergency vehicles up close from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 10.
Needed school supplies
- Pencils
- Pens
- Notebooks
- Crayons
- Markers
- Glue
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
Drop off donations during business hours at:
SIU Women and Children’s Clinic
400 N. 9th St., Springfield
America Ambulance
755 Apple Orchard Rd., Springfield
Springfield Fire
600 Rickard Road, Springfield
Contributions may be mailed to:
HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital
ATTN: Touch a Truck, Abigail Salzeider
800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62769
Media Contact
Mary Massingale
System Manager, Communications & Public Relations