Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- The need for help this holiday season is greater than last year. With the down economy, more Utahns have expressed a desire for help. Radio stations FM 100 and 103.5 the Arrow have stepped in to ask for donations.
Donations began arriving early Tuesday morning. A Hummer was filled with items from the Skyline High School baseball team.
Then later in the morning, a Key Bank representative brought a $10,000 check, plus a collection from the bank employees who decided not to have a party or gift exchange; that will be another $2,100.
Ryan Bullett, head football coach for Brighton High School, said, "We've been coming out here, just giving our time and putting things in perspective for the kids, and you know, just letting the kids have a good time out here and, you know, giving back to our community."
Bullett says the football team does a service project every year.
To give you some idea of the need, 95 families spent the night at the Road Home Shelter Monday night. Some find themselves in temporary need -- a few days, a few weeks, they need a little help to get back into housing and find work -- others struggle with chronic homelessness and need much more. There are services for both groups.
Matthew Minkevitch, executive director of The Road Home, said, "We know that we can develop strategies as a community to help address the needs of everyone who is experiencing homelessness and have an impact on the long-term demand for homelessness over the course of the years ahead."
The annual Silver Rush that students of Riverton High School participate in every year through caroling, bake sales and odd jobs after school has brought a donation of more than $80,000.
Donations are still coming in. Right now, the grand total is nearing $240,000. If you are interested in donating,[CLICK HERE] or call 801-819-7300.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
