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SALT LAKE CITY — Christmastime is full of lights, presents, hot chocolate, family, trees and decorations. But for many, the Christmas spirit is never quite complete without giving to others in need.
In October, Gov. Spencer Cox signed a pair of executive orders to promote community service among state employees and businesses that receive incentives through state programs.
The orders will provide two hours of administrative leave to each of the state's 24,000 employees to participate in service projects, as well as require that businesses provide at least 20 hours of similar leave per high-paying job each year to qualify for incentives through the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity.
"Here in Utah, we get this," Cox said in October. "It's part of our DNA; it's who we are. We have more volunteers per capita than anywhere else in the country."
But, he added, "I believe that in order to keep this as part of our DNA, we have to be very intentional about it."
Several state agencies and departments are following the governor's advice this Christmas season and getting into the spirit with charities and donation drives.
The Unified Fire Authority is partnering with local shelters and community service centers for Operation Cover-Up, a winter clothing drive collecting coats, blankets, gloves and any other winter wear. The clothes can be new, gently used or thrifted and dropped off at any fire station along the Wasatch Front.
"We can all play a part in serving those around us and ensure no one suffers in the cold," the agency said on social media.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services is doing more than just selling liquor at the state stores. The department said on social media it is following Cox's call for service projects and had each of the 51 stores choose an organization to support and collect donations for from Dec. 6 to Feb. 29.
Organizations include Toys for Tots, Utah Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House of Utah, The Road Home, Food and Care Coalition, WAB Warming Center, Women's Shelter, Salvation Army, Rescue Mission of SLC, food banks, crisis centers, shelters and more. A list of stores and their chosen charity can be seen here.
Schools throughout the state choose charities each December to raise money for, and several school district foundations will hold charitable events as well.
The Jordan Education Foundation hosted its 10th annual Christmas For Kids event on Saturday, where volunteers provided Christmas miracles by shopping with and for nominated students from the Jordan School District.
A statement from the foundation said it would be helping more than 600 students this year — who might have otherwise gone without Christmas gifts — with the $90,000 the foundation has raised. Each student had a chaperone to take him or her shopping with $150 they could use on clothes, shoes, coats, comforters and more.
People can volunteer to help the kids shop in the future or donate money for the organization to use for the children.
The Millcreek Business Council is just one of many municipal bodies aiming to give families a magical Christmas. The council is working with nonprofit Project Connection for a holiday gift drive and helping the Intensive Physical Therapy Institute with a Sub 4 Santa the clinic is holding for patient families.
Six inmates at the Box Elder County Jail have also gotten in on the spirit of giving. The Utah Department of Corrections said on social media the inmates crocheted 55 hats, 21 stuffed animals, two scarves and a blanket and donated them to the Family Support Center and Bear River Health Department for those in need.
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to get wrapped up in your own little world. Christmas service can be as large as a whole day of service and big donations, or as small as a phone call to someone feeling lonely or pennies dropped into buckets.
Cox encouraged everyone to donate money when he volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army on Monday. Salvation Army Red Kettles are outside of stores throughout the state with the goal of assisting 5,900 kids and seniors through its Angel Tree Program.
"Everyone deserves to feel the magic of the holidays," he said. "Get out and donate!"
