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.

They heard about a pressing need for warm winter coats among students in Jordan School District and sprang into action. Families First Pediatrics in South Jordan didn’t want to see students going without coats as the winter weather sets in, so they reached out to staff and patients asking for help collecting new coats. The response was overwhelming. In a very short amount of time, they received 230 brand new winter coats and delivered them to the Jordan Education Foundation to be distributed to schools that have a need.

Thanks to everyone at Families First Pediatrics for caring about kids and helping to keep them warm in the cold winter months.