LAYTON -- A campaign along the Wasatch Front has been launched to collect back-to-school clothes and supplies for more than 50 children living in The Road Home shelter in Salt Lake City or living in affordable housing.
The Educators Mutual Apple Tree campaign takes in Davis and Weber county collection locations in its effort to provide children with the clothing and supplies they need to return to school this fall, said Anne Williams, an event organizer.
Educators Mutual Apple Trees, similar to the Angel Trees during the Christmas season, have been set up at a number of locations along the Wasatch Front, including three locations in Davis County and one in Weber County, according to a news release.
An apple lists the name of a child living in the shelter or affordable housing unit, along with a needed item for back-to-school.
The apple trees can be found at DownEast Basics in Layton Hills Mall and DownEast Home & Clothing, 411 W. 1425 North in Layton, and Newgate Mall in Ogden.
Payless ShoeSource at 729 King St. in Layton and 5720 Centerville Market Place in Centerville are also apple tree locations and drop points.
Back-to-school items, new and unused, can be purchased and returned to any of the 30 campaign partner locations from Provo to Ogden, officials said.
This year's campaign is also offering the option of selecting an apple online at www.educatorsmutual.com.
"Because of the challenging economy this year, the needs for back-to-school at the The Road Home (shelter) have never been greater," said Christie Hawkes, senior vice-president of corporate communications at Educators Mutual.
"We created the program to give these deserving children a boost and to provide a convenient way for the public to help," Hawkes said in a prepared statement.
At the completion of the campaign, which runs through Aug. 16, Educators Mutual will deliver the clothing and school supplies to the shelter in time for school, Williams said.
During the five-year history of the Apple Tree campaign, more than 7,600 articles of clothing and school supplies have been donated, benefitting more than 250 children living in the shelter.
For more information visit www.educatorsmutual.com.
Comments