From glue sticks to rulers, backpacks and more, the list of supplies students need to return to school can be long. This year more than ever, families in Canyons School District experiencing financial hardship may be relying on donations to provide the tools their students need to attend school. 

To that end, Canyons School District is participating in the fourth annual Z104 Tools for Schools donation drive, sponsored by Jordan Credit Union, to gather supplies, food, and essentials for students. The drive will take place at the Shops at South Town (10450 S. State St., in the Macy’s parking lot) from Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. until Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. Information about the event and a list of needed supplies can be found on the Z104 Country website.

“This is our main drive to get supplies for our students in need,” said Denise Haycock, Development Officer for the Canyons Education Foundation, which will oversee the distribution of donated supplies in Canyons School District. “We are looking to the community and to our own employees to help those families within the District who could use a little extra help.”

Starting Aug. 6, donation boxes will be placed at both front desk areas at the Canyons Administration Building. Employees and patrons are encouraged to donate any of the needed supplies for students in the District. Those who wish to make a monetary donation can do so at this link: https://www.successfund.com/canyons_toolsforschools

This year, Haycock says some of the biggest needs are identified are for reusable cloth masks, hygiene items, and food. Once received, the Canyons Education Foundation will oversee organizing the items and placing them in quarantine, until they can be distributed. Canyons’ community business partners have also contributed to the effort. 

“This is a good way to give back and help those in need,” Haycock said. “Whether it’s a big donation or a little donation, whatever you can do is helpful.”

As an added perk for those who make donations at the Tools for Schools drive, visitors might just catch a glimpse of Z104 disc jockeys Dave and Deb sleeping in Canyons’ buses, which will be parked at the Shops of South Town for the event. Visitors can drive by and drop off their donations without leaving their car, or maintain six feet of distance and wear a mask if they choose to exit their vehicle.