If Utah’s public schools are the frequent recipient of charitable giving – from booster club donations to the daily contributions of volunteers –they’re also a source of altruism. Canyons District students give back to their communities year-round, and the holidays are no different.

More than 25 Canyons District schools are sponsoring holiday donation drives this year. Despite the robust economy, intergenerational poverty continues to be a problem in Utah. To support for families in need, Canyons District schools are hosting food drives, clothing exchanges, and stuffed animal giveaways. Among the groups to benefit from their generosity are the Utah Food Bank, Sub for Santa, local animal shelters and Utah’s Ouelessebougou Alliance, to name a few.

Following a proud, four-year tradition, Canyons’ administration will be raising money and collecting winter clothing for residents of The Road Home in Midvale, a homeless shelter within the District’s boundaries. The donation drive will culminate with a luncheon featuring a performance by Jordan Valley students and a silent auction.

As part of Canyons’ partnership with the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce, the District also is gathering gently-used purses and jewelry for People Helping People, an organization that helps low-income women, primarily single mothers, find jobs with living wages.  

How can you help? 

• Drop off donations of winter coats, warm sleepwear and clothing (including new socks and underwear), blankets, toys, and gifts at Canyons District’s administration building (9361 S. 300 East in Sandy).
• Donate an item to our silent auction (gift baskets, branded merchandise, gift cards) by emailing Cindee.Clawson@canyonsdistrict.org
• Checks, cash and gift cards may be given at any time to the Canyons Education Foundation and earmarked for the Gathering for Good fundraiser: 801-826-5171, Laura.Barlow@canyonsdistrict.org.

Elementary Schools
Altara, Spring charity drive March 5-9
Bella Vista, Food drive through Nov. 11
Brookwood, January fundraiser benefitting the Ouelessebougou Alliance
Crescent, Food drive benefitting the Utah Food Bank Nov. 6-17
East Sandy, “Month of Service,” food, clothing and stuffed animal drive, Nov. 13-17.
Edgemeont, Food drive benefitting the Utah Food Bank through December.
Granite, Food drive benefitting Utah Food Bank Nov. 13 — Dec. 6
Lone Peak, Collecting money to help pay off student lunch balances, Nov 6-17.
Oakdale, Food drive benefitting the Utah Food Bank through Thanksgiving.