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SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time, every liquor store in Utah will collect donations for dozens of local charities. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services leaders said that Gov. Spencer Cox's call to Utah agencies encouraging service projects prompted the donation drive.
Every store will have a huge donation bin inside, but each store will support different charities.
The reason? Michelle Schmitt, communications director for the alcoholic beverages department, said store employees chose their charities.
"The store employees chose which organizations to support. So a lot of these organizations are, you know, they're very localized for our families right in their communities," Schmitt said.
The department felt that the people who live and work in those neighborhoods should make those choices. Schmitt said charities always need like-new winter coats and toiletries, but each store will have a list of items each charity needs.
For example, Amenda Kleven, who manages the West Valley location, is supporting the Ronald McDonald House because of her family's connection with it.
"(I) really appreciate how much these store employees eagerly jumped at this opportunity to support their organizations in their communities," Schmitt said.
The Pick Up A Bottle, Leave A Donation drive will go will go beyond the holidays. Utahns can donate now through Feb. 29, 2024.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services website lists the charities for which each store is collecting donations.
