News & Events

The holiday season is often marked by a spirit of giving and generosity. While there are numerous ways to contribute to large organizations and global causes, the most profound impact we can make is often within our own communities. This time of year, while filled with joy for many, can also amplify the struggles of those facing poverty close to home.

By choosing to support local initiatives, we not only provide immediate assistance to our neighbors but also strengthen the fabric of our community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, ripples through our towns and cities, creating waves of positive change. This holiday season, we invite you to explore the many ways you can make a meaningful difference right where you live. From volunteering your time to making a donation, your efforts can light up the lives of those in need and ensure that the warmth of the holiday spirit is felt by everyone in your community.

10 Ways to Get Involved:

1. CAP Utah
   1. The Community Action Partnership of Utah is the state association over the nine community action partners across the state. We help the helpers! By supporting us, you are supporting the statewide network which serves over 90,000 Utahns across the state. You can donate here. If you’d like to help by serving on the CAP Utah board, please email info@caputah.org for more information.
2. Bear River Association of Governments
   1. Serving Box Elder, Cache, and Rich counties, Bear River Association of Governments is dedicated to improving the lives of residents in these areas. To find ways to support them during the holidays and throughout the year, please visit their website here.
3. Community Action Services and Food Bank
   1. Serving Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties, Community Action Services and Food Bank works tirelessly to alleviate hunger and hardship. The best way you can help CASFB is with food drives! Find more information about hosting and scheduling a food drive here or contact Dan Hansen at 801-691-5202 or danh@casfb.org.
4. Five County Association of Governments
   1. Covering Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, and Washington counties, this agency focuses on improving the quality of life for residents. Your donations can help them continue their vital work. 
   2. Five County is seeking donations of diaper supplies such as diaper rash cream and wipes to enhance their diaper distribution efforts. You can donate to the Five County Association of Governments here.
   3. Contact Guesrie Mardy  gmardy@fivecounty.utah.gov for more information.
5. Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership
   1. In the heart of Weber County, this partnership provides essential services to the community. You can contribute by donating, volunteering, or sponsoring their programs here.
6. Open Doors
   1. Open Doors operates primarily in the Davis and Morgan counties of Utah. They offer a range of services aimed at improving the lives of residents, particularly those facing economic hardships.
   2. The biggest help Open Doors needs this holiday season is volunteers with Toys for Tots! There are many ways you can volunteer:
      1. From November 25th to December 16th, volunteers are needed to call stores to see if their boxes are full, if they are full, the toys will need to be collected and brought to Open Doors. 
      2. Starting December 4th, Open Doors needs volunteers to count and sort toys Monday-Friday during business hours from 9am-4pm. 
      3. On December 13th & 14th and December 18th-21st, they need volunteers to help distribute toys and sort/stock the toy rooms. Volunteer time slots are 8am-10am, 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm and 2pm-4pm. Open Doors would like 8-10 volunteers per 2-hour block and volunteers are welcome to sign up for more than 1 slot. 
      4. To sign up to volunteer or for more information please contact Jamie McKinney at jmckinney@opendoorsutah.org or 385-685-6892.
7. Six County Association of Governments
   1. Serving Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne counties, Six County Association of Governments plays a crucial role in addressing local poverty issues. To find out ways you can support them please visit their website.
8. Southeastern Regional Development Agency (Formerly Known as Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments)
   1. This agency serves Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan counties. They have multiple ways you can join their efforts to fight poverty this holiday season!
      1. SoutheasternRegional Development Agency is asking for volunteers during the holiday season to volunteer at the Carbon, Emery, Green River and Moab food banks. With the large increase of clients during the holiday season, volunteers are often involved in distributing food directly to individuals and families in need. This may include packing and distributing food bags, and interacting with recipients in a supportive manner. 
      2. Circles Carbon County is looking for Allies for our Circles Initiative. Allies are intentional friendships that play an active role in supporting a Circle Leader's commitment to climb out of poverty and achieve his or her goals. 
      3. Food bank donations can be made here. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Julie Rosier at 435-613-0065.
9. Uintah Basin Association of Governments
   1. Serving Duchesne, Uintah, and Daggett counties, they offer various programs to support their community. During the holidays and year round, you can help by volunteering for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or becoming a foster grandparent. Sign up for both here. 
10. Utah Community Action
    1. Utah Community Action plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of residents in Salt Lake and Tooele counties. This holiday season, help Utah Community Action bring holiday magic to over 1,200 children and seniors experiencing poverty. Check out their Season of Giving and fulfill wishlists to spread joy here.

Your involvement can make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling with poverty in Utah. Whether it's through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, every action counts. This holiday season, let's come together to support our communities and make a difference.