Sugar House full of holiday giving opportunities

With the holidays approaching, many people are hoping to help their fellow man somehow, but few know where to look for opportunities. The good news is that there are many opportunities available in Sugar House, especially atlocal schools.

Every year, Hillside Middle School makes sure students and families’ needs are met through the December Giving Program. The school raises funds throughout the year to provide anything from clothing to Christmas presents. Any family or business can sponsor a family in need this holiday season.

“There’s such a need right here in our backyard,” Hillside Family Support Coordinator Dayna Evans said. “It takes a village to raise our children.”

All of the families who receive assistance through the December Giving Program are low-income families, and many have recently gone through additional difficult circumstances or tragedies. Being able to give their children Christmas presents means a lot to these families, and they greatly appreciate the help, Evans said.

The program requires a minimum donation of one complete outfit (including socks and underwear), one toy and one book for every child in the family being sponsored. A coat may be required as well, if the school does not already have one available for the child. Gifts for the parents are helpful but not necessary. All names are kept anonymous on both sides. Anyone who would like to sponsor a family must contact Evans by Thanksgiving, at 801-481-4828, x 1072.

Hillside is also currently collecting food to give many of those same families a Thanksgiving dinner as well. Donations of non-perishable items and gift cards for purchasing turkeys can be brought to the school’s office, on 2375 East Garfield Ave, up to Nov. 22.

Many other schools are holding food drives to support the Utah Food Bank during its busiest season.

Dilworth and Emerson Elementary Schools are collecting nonperishables through Nov. 18, and Uintah Elementary and Clayton Middle are collecting until Nov. 22.

“It’s a really uniting thing we do,” Dilworth Principal Kenneth Limb said.

Donations can be brought to the main office of each school. Some schools make a class competition out of itsfood drives, so be sure to let the office staff know where you would like your donations to count. Clayton is on 1471 South 1800 East, Dilworth is on 1953 South 2100 East, Emerson is on 1017 East Harrison Avenue, and Uintah is on 1571 East 1300 South. Anyone who is unable to meet the schools’ Thanksgiving food drive deadlines can always donate directly to the Utah Food Bank, year-round. The nearest drop-off location is the Harmon’s Grocery Store on 3270 South 1300 East.

Cosgriff Memorial School (2335 Redondo Ave) is doing a similar food drive to make Thanksgiving baskets for families in St. Ambrose Parish, including refugee families. Donations are needed by Nov. 18.

Nibley Park School’s after school students are participating in the national Stockings for Soldiers program this Christmas, and are accepting donations to fill the stockings through Nov. 18. Specific items needed are toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, sunscreen, nylons, chap stick, Dallas Cowboys memorabilia, nonperishable foods (Oreos are especially desired), non-melting candy, single serve powder drink mixes, playing cards and other small games, coffee, coffee filters and powdered creamer. Donation bins are available in the school’s main office and after school office, at 2785 South 800 East. Shipping funds are also greatly needed as each box of stockings costs $14 to ship internationally. Donations can be sent to SgtStockings@gmail.com, via PayPal.

Highland High is providing Thanksgiving dinners and Sub For Santa for needy students within the school. Any donations would be appreciated, including clothing, coats, shoes, school supplies, hygiene items, nonperishable food, and funds or gift cards for turkeys and additional items.

“The whole point is so they can focus on school, instead of cold feet or not enough food to eat,” Family Support Coordinator Jill Van Leeuwen said.

Food items and donations for Thanksgiving are needed by Nov. 21, and Christmas gifts and funds by Dec. 14. All donations can be brought to the school counseling center on 2166 S 1700 E. Check donations can be made out to the Salt Lake Education Foundation, earmarked for Highland High Family Support, and mailed to 440 East 100 South #118 SLC, UT 84111.