11/23/2016
3yrs ago my son's and I saw a boy about 14 panhandling on the corner near Sugar House Park. He was the first homeless teen we had ever encountered and our hearts hurt. He had been living on the streets for almost a year, had lice, and was no longer attending school due to his circumstances.
A few weeks later we went into the homeless teen resource center and asked what we could do as a family to help. They suggested we put together some backpacks filled with winter supplies that could be distributed as the weather shifted. We sat down and set a goal......100 backpacks! ( We have never been accused of dreaming small) With the help of countless friends we were able to actually meet our goal that year.
Project was born! This year's Homeless Teen Outreach is shaping up nicely! This project takes a lot of teamwork and love from our local community. I'm so grateful for all those who have reached out and made this year's outreach possible. Every year we have been able to put more items into the packs thanks to local donations.
A big thanks to:
Goodwill in Murray, Savers in Orem, and Deseret Industries in American Fork for collecting and donating the backpacks.
The Red Hat Society of Park City/Midway for the travel size pillows and chocolate.
The Millcreek/ Holladay Rotary Club for hygiene kits.
Adobe in Lehi for $25 gift cards.
Target in West Valley and Taylorsville for fleece blankets.
Hannah Laine and Rick Pridis (and neighbors) for socks, underwear, and snack pack items.
Challenger Academy in Salt Lake, Draper, and Lehi for hats and gloves.
Canyon Grove Academy for scarves.
Emergency Essentials for handwarmers.
iAMvhange for snack packs, bottled water, and gum.
The residents of The Gables, Pemberly, Stone Haven, and Rockwell for coats, boots, and snowpants.
**WHAT WE STILL NEED:
1) Christmas cards. We would like the cards to come with personal handwritten notes of love and encouragement from you or your family inside. This is actually the most treasured item in the backpack!
2) Small wrapped gifts - suggested items - crossword or activity/puzzle books/ journals/mini coloring books/books/ card games( can be found at the dollar store or the $1 bin at Michaels and JoAnns). Movie passes, resturant/fast food gift certificates, hair cut punch cards, DI /Goodwill clothing vouchers.
3) wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and chapstick.
Because of your help we can temporarily ease the stress and sadness of the teens living on the streets in our community this holiday season. If you would like to make a donation (of any size) to this project please contact me.
Thank you for all you do to support our projects and those in need