Opportunities available to give to local schools

During the holiday season, plenty of people are willing to contribute to charitable causes, but few realize how many causes are out there, or know where to start looking. Here are a few to choose from, involving local schools.

The Granite Education Foundation prepares gift baskets every year for elementary and preschool children, containing a book and small toy, hat, gloves or mittens, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste and art supplies. Students who receive the baskets are those identified by their schools as being in need.

"Who has a better idea what kids need than the teachers and principals who work with them?" GEF Community Outreach Chair Kathy Newton said. "Without some help, these children would probably go without."

Donations of the above mentioned items or funds to help fill the baskets are always appreciated, and are needed by Dec. 5, so GEF members have time to assemble and distribute the baskets to schools before Christmas break starts.

"It kind of relieves the families that they know their children are getting something," Newton said.

Especially in multiple-child families, getting these items takes a lot of stress off the families and lets them focus on getting other things their children need, Taylorsville Elementary Principal Michelle Love-Day said.

"I'm glad that we can provide that for families," she said.

Items must be purchased new. All gifts are tax-deductible, and can be brought to 2589 South Main Street, second floor.

Some of the secondary schools are also doing their own projects, and they can use any help their communities are willing to provide.

Bennion Jr. High is holding a Charity Week Nov. 29-Dec. 6, during which students will participate in a penny drive and other activities to raise funds for Christmas gifts for needy families in their community.

"When we know them, we go there first," financial secretary Deann Jensen said.

Any additional funds contributed by the community to Bennion's project will mean more families in the area will have a good Christmas. The school's student body officers will do all the necessary shopping for the families' gifts, and any funds left over after the local families are taken care of will go to Angel Tree. Bennion is located on 6055 South 2700 West.

Kearns Jr. High provides a Holiday Store for its needy families every year. The store is set up in a multipurpose room in the school, and families can pick out things they need, such as warm clothing and hygiene items, as well as Christmas gifts. Any help purchasing new items for the store is always welcome, and needed by Dec. 8. Items most helpful are coats, hats, shoes, warm socks, gloves, hoodies (not red or blue), deodorant, soap, shampoo, brushes, combs, lotion, board games, cards, handheld games, skateboards, scooters, books (Harry Potter, Twilight, and other popular series), makeup kits, MP3 players, music and band posters, popular PG or G rated music CDs, jewelry, watches, craft items, cameras, canned food, wrapping paper, and gift cards to Payless or Walmart. Kearns Jr. is located on 4040 West 5305 South.