Most educators will say they view their jobs as more of a calling than a career — and when it comes to supporting students, their charitable hearts extend well past the classroom.

Thanks to the efforts of Sallianne Wakley, an Instructional Supports Department Specialist, Sue Collins from Sandy Elementary, and other do-gooders around the District, a fall community donation drive yielded hundreds of pounds of goods for needy children and families at Canyons’ schools.

This was a huge step forward in the Canyons Education Foundation’s ongoing push to create, in collaboration with CSD’s Title I schools, a community center to be a central repository upon which schools throughout the District can draw to replenish school food pantries and secure winter coats and shoes for students.

With five Title I schools in CSD, help is often needed — and much appreciated! But there are needs throughout the District, says Community Schools Coordinator Michele Vogeler. “This central warehouse will help us more equitably meet the needs of all students who need a little extra help.”

The donation drive was coordinated by Wakley and Collins on the National Day of Service. It involved faith organizations throughout the Salt Lake Valley from as far north as Midvalley Elementary and as far south as the Crescent Building.

“People from all walks of life” contributed clothing, food, hygiene items, and other household goods, Wakley said.

In all, 15 large carboy pallet boxes of goods were amassed at the drop-off, which was enough to make the community center a reality.

“We had people arrive at 8:30 and it was pretty much a constant flow. It was really a big deal,” Wakley said. “There were people who didn’t realize the need we have in our schools. There are needs everywhere. … We’ve started something here so that any school can have support.”

To all those who donated, Foundation Officer Denise Haycock says, “Thank you!”

The Foundation is also grateful for the Thanksgiving Heroes program. The Foundation and community schools were able to refer names of families in need to the service, which helps collect and donate holiday meals to 3,000 families.

In this same spirit of giving, if you’re looking for a place to donate to on Giving Tuesday, which will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 29, please consider the Foundation. Funds acquired are given directly back to students and teachers in the District. Donations can be made on our website at canyonsdistrict.org.