Orem Community Gears Up for Winter with Clothing Drive and Swap Events
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the winter holidays approach, Orem is rallying together to ensure that local families have what they need to navigate the colder months. The Alpine School District’s outreach teams have stepped up by launching a concerted effort to collect donations that will be distributed at two community swap events scheduled for early November.
A Community in Action
In a showing of community spirit, schools throughout the Orem cluster are gathering gently used clothing, toys, and small household items to help families in need. This initiative not only aims to brighten the lives of those facing financial challenges but also fosters a culture of generosity and support among local residents.
Ej Cáceres, the community outreach coordinator at Cherry Hill Elementary School, emphasizes that these swap events are crucial in providing relief—especially as the holiday season is often a time of heightened financial stress for many families. “The goal is to support our families during the holidays, making sure they have the resources they need,” she said.
Last winter, Mountain View High School successfully hosted its own clothing drive, which resulted in providing essential items to many families. This year, building on that success, Cáceres and other outreach leaders decided to widen the scope of the initiative to involve more members of the community. “We wanted to make it accessible to more Orem citizens and ensure that everyone has the chance to receive what they need,” Cáceres explained.
Drop-Off Locations and What’s Needed
To make things convenient, donations can be dropped off at multiple locations throughout the Orem area, including Mountain View, Timpanogos, and Orem High Schools, as well as at Orem and Lakeridge Junior High Schools and Cherry Hill, Westmore, and Bonneville Elementary Schools.
Among the items that organizers are particularly eager to collect are warm clothing essentials: coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and shoes. Cáceres mentioned that many students don’t have adequate clothing for the cold weather, making these items even more critical.
“The community has already shown great support; we’ve begun to receive a good number of donations. We’re optimistic about how many families we’ll be able to assist this year,” Cáceres said.
The Impact of Rising Costs
As inflation continues to impact families, this clothing drive and swap event comes at a vital time. With rising housing costs squeezing budgets, many parents struggle to provide enough clothing and essentials for their children, adding significant stress to their daily lives. Cáceres hopes that these community swap events can alleviate some of that pressure.
“Families want to provide for their children, but sometimes the reality of their financial situation makes it difficult,” she noted. “This effort is designed to help those who need extra support, ensuring that kids have adequate clothing and household items.”
Upcoming Community Swap Events
Mark your calendars: the first swap event will take place on November 11 at Lakeridge Junior High, followed by a second event on November 15 at Orem Junior High from 6 PM to 8 PM. Families attending will receive a large garbage bag to fill with items they need and will have the opportunity to donate items on-site as well.
Diego de Leon, the community outreach liaison at Mountain View High School, reflected on last year’s event, noting that roughly 400 families received assistance. “It was a fantastic community-building event, which not only provided items but also connected people,” he said. This year, de Leon anticipates an even larger turnout, potentially assisting up to 800 families across the two events.
A Bright Future for Community Connections
In a world increasingly focused on individualism, the collaborative effort of Orem’s schools shines a light on the power of community involvement. Through shared resources and collective action, schools are working together to make these swap events not just a necessity but a celebration of community spirit and cooperation.
“We’re enthusiastic about what this year holds,” Cáceres said. “We hope to create a welcoming environment where families can connect, support one another, and leave with what they need.”
As winter approaches, Orem is exemplifying the spirit of helping those in need, and in doing so, creating lasting bonds within the community. Whether through donations or participation in the events, every action counts in making this winter warmer for families in Orem.
