It was a labor of love for students and staff at Fort Herriman Middle School as they went all out in an effort to raise money for their holiday charity. This year Fort Herriman partnered with Mountain Ridge High School fundraising for “Hearts Knit Together,” a nonprofit organization that delivers much-needed personal items to those escaping domestic violence, sexual abuse, or war.

Student Body Officers, along with their advisor, Ms. Feist, and administrator Mrs. Jackson, planned a week of lunchtime snack sales, a “Be the Change Day” where students donated change, spirit days, and much more. They also held a community event which included food trucks, a craft and treat market with items made by Diamondback students and teachers. The event included an appearance by Santa, Miss Herriman and Herriman police, and a number of performances by student choirs.

Fort Herriman raised $8,459.45 for “Hearts Knit Together,” and collected a variety of items for the charity as well.

Congratulations to Fort Herriman students, faculty, staff, and the community for coming together to support those in need.

There were bright candles burning on the sidewalk in front of every home as neighbors in an 8-block area came together for an annual tradition called the “Charity of Light.” This year residents decided to support students in need in the Jordan School District, especially the growing number of refugee families and others who may go without this holiday season.

Families filled donation bags with things like new winter coats, hats, gloves, socks, weekend food packs, and more, which were donated to serve students in the District.

South Jordan firefighters, along with Santa Claus, led the way as volunteers went from house to house picking up the donated items for “Charity of Light.” It was a special, fun, and festive night, bringing the community together to support a local cause, this time school children in the South Jordan area.

Thank you to everyone involved for helping the community take care of kids!

Hundreds of teens who may have gone without gifts this holiday season received an early Christmas thanks to a caring community and the Jordan Education Foundation. The Foundation raised $75,000 to provide a holiday shopping spree for more than 500 students in need throughout Jordan School District in their annual “Christmas for Kids” event.

On Saturday, the students partnered with volunteer chaperones who took them shopping at Walmart in South Jordan for everything from clothes and boots to beds, comforters, warm coats, and more. Every student got to spend $150.00 on holiday gifts. Santa Claus was there to spread some holiday cheer along with firefighters, police, and city leaders.

Thank you to Walmart, all of the volunteers, generous donors and the Jordan Education Foundation for making the event such a success for students.

Aspen Elementary Preschool Students were treated to a party with the Utah Jazz Dancers. Students learned to dance and held a dance party to Christmas music. The dancers also read books to the students and got to know each one of the students.

Thank you to the Utah Jazz Dancers for taking time to brighten the day of preschoolers and staff at Aspen Elementary.

Some South Valley School students paired up with Jordan School District staff and hit the aisles of Walmart thanks to the efforts of the Jordan Education Foundation. For the past year, the Foundation raised money from the community to buy gifts for students who otherwise might not have any presents under the tree.

As part of the Foundation’s annual “Christmas for Kids” event, volunteers escorted the students through the Walmart in South Jordan, where they could select $150 worth of gifts. Many South Valley students opted for gifts of clothing, shoes, or practical items to help them transition to independent living after they leave the school programs.

South Valley School students range in age from 18-23, and staff focuses on helping students learn open communication skills, self-determination, and self-advocacy. In addition, many students will use vocational skills and community connections at the school to find meaningful employment opportunities. 

Thank you to the fantastic volunteers and community support that makes “Christmas for Kids” possible.