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SALT LAKE CITY -- While Utah legislators battle over education decisions, holding next year's budget in their hands, a simple way for citizens to contribute to local schools might be overlooked.
“Your school can earn up to $60,000 each year — up to $20,000 from each of the three Box Tops for Education program components," writes Jessica Williams, known as the Utah Deal Diva, on her blog. “You notice those little box top logos on products you purchase? Cut them out, turn them in to any local school and they'll earn 10 cents for each box top submitted. Those little amounts add up!”
Williams blogs at utahdealdiva.com, where she shares thrifty tips to help “Utah families live on less.” She promotes the box tops program, provides access to free samples, couponing tips, and frugal recipes. She encourages individuals to register their local school.
“I give my box tops to our local elementary school where my kids attend. This year our goal is to collect $2,000 in box tops," said Williams. “I just turned in a lunch baggie filled with box tops — it totaled over $25 and all it took was a few seconds to clip each one.”
“My wife and I have used (the box top program) in our home and community,” said Utah Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, in an email.
Powell is working on education bills now in the Utah Legislature. He sponsored HB0062, Provisions Regarding School Supplies, which was signed earlier this week by the Speaker.
His bill would “allow elementary school teachers to prepare a list of school supplies to be sent home to parents,” a practice currently prohibited by Utah law, due to the state’s "guarantee of a free public education.”
The Box Tops for Education official website, boxtops4education .com, provides insights on contributing to local schools, tracking earnings, and uniting communities for a good cause.
“People who join Box Tops for Education are passionate about helping schools succeed and giving students more opportunities to learn,” the website says.
The site features Box Tops Success Stories, which range from an Atlanta mom who helped fund uniforms for the marching band to a box top coordinator whose efforts led to a the construction of a new pavilion on school grounds in Texas.
I love the box top program because it gives me the chance to effortlessly contribute to our school.
–Jessica Williams
“I love the box top program because it gives me the chance to effortlessly contribute to our school," said Williams.
For parents, teachers, or concerned citizens who want to get more involved, they can volunteer to serve as the box tops coordinator for their local school. The Box Tops website calls coordinators “the driving force in the Box Tops for Education program,” as they are responsible for running collection contests, getting out the word about the program, and submitting the box tops.
How you can help local schools
- Download a list of participating box tops products here
- Clip, collect, and submit your box tops to your favorite local school(s)
- Set up a box tops collection bin at your workplace, inviting others to contribute
- Take the lead and volunteer to be a box tops coordinator for your school
- Share this article, letting others know they can contribute to local schools
Crystalee Beck is a writer, marketer, and traveler who lives with her husband in Ogden. She is also a habitual box tops clipper. Follow @Crystaleelee on Twitter, and email her at delightedtowrite@gmail.com.
