RIVERTON — Friday was exciting for schools in the Jordan School District as the amount raised during a holiday charity drive was revealed to several student bodies.
Riverton High School students gathered in the gym to hear the results of a two-and-a-half-week charity drive they had been working on nonstop.
“This year, we went out and did odd jobs, where we knocked doors and we say if you have an odd job for us in exchange for a donation, we’re willing to do that,” said Kaya Monson, the Riverton High School student body president.
From penny wars to bake sales and everything in between, the Riverton students learned they raised $173,487 for The Refuge Utah, a charity in Orem that helps victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
“I’ve never heard of another student body that is this involved in a charity month before. It’s amazing. I really feel like we have the best student body in the whole world,” Monson said.
During their efforts, the students learned about domestic abuse in Utah and the need for more resources.
“Our shelter has been unfortunately too small for the demand that we have in the community, and so these funds will help us to be able to build a new facility,” said Ashlee Taylor, the executive director of The Refuge Utah.
Monson said hearing the stories of victims fueled the Riverton High School students’ efforts.
“I think the thing that stands out to me the most is the change that you see within the students. People are passionate about the cause that you’re promoting, and our student body ends up uniting a lot,” she said.
Giving back is a tradition at Riverton High School, and this year, students are proud of their efforts. They say raising this money has been the best way to celebrate Christmas.
“Kindness is the best gift you can give,” Monson said.
Five other high schools also raised several thousands of dollars for their charities:
According to the Jordan School District, the six schools raised a total of $645,935 for local charities.
