A record number of teens in Jordan School District, who would otherwise go with little this holiday season, received an early Christmas at the annual Jordan Education Foundation “Christmas for Kids” event.

Students partnered with volunteer chaperones who took them shopping for everything from toys and games to the basics like clothes, shoes, bedding, and food. Each student was able to purchase $150 worth of gifts at Walmart in South Jordan. Chaperones helped the students find the items on their shopping list while creating a positive and supportive environment for the teens.

Santa Claus was there to spread holiday cheer along with local firefighters, police, and city leaders. The Jordan Education Foundation funds the “Christmas for Kids” event through contributions from generous donors and local businesses in the community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s “Christmas for Kids“ a success. Hundreds of students will have a brighter and merrier holiday season thanks to our community’s generous donors and volunteers.

Mountain Ridge High School’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) students held the school’s largest-ever blood drive to benefit ARUP Blood Services. Last week, the student-led event collected 44 units of blood, beating their March 2023 record of 39 units.

So far this school year, ARUP has collected 422 units of blood through Jordan School District high school-led blood drives, with Copper Hills High School contributing 152 at their last event. All the blood products collected are given to Utah cancer patients, transplant patients, surgery patients, accident and trauma victims, anemia patients, sickle cell patients, and many more.

Way to go, Jordan School District HOSA students! Your hard work is helping save many Utah lives. ARUP Blood Services says they cannot stress enough their gratitude for each one of these high school-sponsored blood drives.

South Valley students made their annual trek to view the holiday displays at the Festival of Trees at Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy today. Even though many students in the transitional school have difficulty walking, seeing or communicating, dedicated District staff members made sure each student had the opportunity to feel the holiday spirit as they wandered through the beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses and holiday displays.

One group of students even took Trax rather than a school bus to the Expo Center, teaching them public transportation skills they will need as they transition from school to careers. All funds raised from the Festival of Trees support Primary Children’s Hospitals.

This holiday season, some South Valley School and River’s Edge School students teamed up with dedicated District staff for a heartwarming shopping spree at the South Jordan Walmart, all made possible by the Jordan Education Foundation. Over the past year, the Foundation has been actively raising funds from the community to ensure that students who might not otherwise receive gifts can enjoy a festive holiday.

As part of the Foundation’s cherished “Christmas for Kids” initiative, volunteers guided students through the aisles of the South Jordan Walmart, allowing each student to choose $150 worth of gifts. This year, many South Valley students opted for practical items such as clothing and shoes, focusing on essentials that will aid them in their transition to independent living after they complete their time at the school, while River’s Edge students not only wanted the basics but got gifts for family and friends.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the incredible volunteers and community supporters who make “Christmas for Kids” a reality. Your generosity brings joy and hope to our students, reminding everyone of the season’s true spirit!