No student should worry about starting school without basic school supplies.

But a growing number do, which is why Lone Peak Hospital is partnering with the Canyons Education Foundation to stock Canyons District’s Resource Closet in time for the 2023-2024 school year.

The Resource Closet is a central storehouse of food and hygiene items and school supplies that Canyons schools can draw on to replenish their pantries or extend a little emergency support to students and families in need. As part of Lone Peak’s 10th Anniversary celebration, hospital employees are collecting donations to “stock the closet” to meet the expected rise in demand for the coming year.

“Each year, thousands of Canyons District student families struggle to afford basic school supplies,” said Foundation Officer Denise Haycock. “With inflation, homelessness, and food insecurity on the rise, more families are struggling financially, and back-to-school shopping can add to their stress. Lone Peak’s generous school-supply drive will help lighten the load for so many, and make back-to-school season the exciting time it should be.”

Anyone can contribute to the cause. Donations are being accepted through Aug. 15, 2023, and giving is easy:

• Purchase goods from a pre-chosen donation registry at amazon.com
• Bring donations to Lone Peak Hospital, 11925 State Street in Draper
• Bring donations to the Canyons District Office, 9361 S. 300 East in Sandy

All donations will benefit CSD students and families.

“People are often surprised when I tell them how much need there is within Canyons District,” said Canyons Community Schools Specialist Michele Vogeler. “At one time, poverty was mostly consolidated in rural and urban areas. But nationally, we are seeing more families in suburban and metropolitan areas living below the poverty line, and that’s true in Canyons as well.”

About 25 percent (8,250) of CSD’s 33,000 student are economically disadvantaged. Another 1,650 are homeless. CSD has five Title I schools and is home to one of Utah’s largest family shelters.

See the flyer below for more information, including a list of high-need items.