More than 750 students received early gifts this winter season, thanks to donations and support from the community and the Jordan Education Foundation. 

Christmas for Kids community volunteers accompanied the teenagers on Dec. 7 at the Walmart on South Jordan Parkway as they shopped with $150 provided by the Foundation through community donations, said Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes. 

“Seven hundred fifty kids, it’s heartbreaking,” he said. “They’re not in a position, like some other kids, to have much of anything for Christmas. The great side of it is the community steps up and supplements those kids’ experiences for Christmas. Our support from the volunteers is just amazing. I'm blown away every year.”

He said it takes many hours for the 30 board members who were helping to coordinate students and volunteers; the planning meetings start months beforehand.

“The store manager, Kevin Carlile, he is the magic behind a lot of this and his employees have been so good to step up to help,” Haynes said.

Carlile volunteered one year, before offering Walmart as a shopping location about eight years ago.

“This sets the season,” he said. “In the retail business, we're focused on…sales, profit, all that stuff; these kids put things in perspective. We're here to serve the community, that's one of Walmart's foundational building blocks, but this feels like it's a family reunion. I get to see all the educators and people who volunteer every year. But, also, you get to hear the stories, the whys behind why we do it. We get to talk to the kids, see the excitement in their faces. They're a little older, so the excitement isn't just built up; it's genuine. It's truly kids who need more, and we're able to provide that. That's why we do it.”

Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller, who like Carlile serves on the Foundation board, was helping direct people in the front of the store.

“This is what Christmas is all about,” she said about the students who are nominated for the shopping spree by their schools. “These kids aren’t used to shopping for themselves, but now they’re able to get some things they need and want. They’re deserving kids, but many of them are picking out things for their family members so they have something for Christmas. I love seeing that spirit of Christmas.”

The annual event usually is supported by community leaders, local first responders, pageant royalty, team mascots and others. This year, even the event’s original “Santa Claus” returned as a volunteer to shop with students.

South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey has helped all 11 years of the event.

“This is my favorite day of the season,” she said. “I love this community coming together to spend a few minutes performing service that blesses and makes lives better for others. It eases their burdens and the chance to bring joy to a young person's life is so rewarding. As I talk to the volunteers here, they always say, ‘This makes my Christmas.’ One lady just said, ‘This is what the season is all about. The hustle and bustle we all take on isn't what Christmas is; it’s about serving and lifting others.’ That’s what today is.”

Ramsey, who serves as a Foundation past president, said the giving spirit shouldn’t be limited to just this day.

“There are opportunities to give like this all year and if we can, we should. We do it more with our time, our support, our caring. It’s very rewarding to help a neighbor, to lift one another,” she said.

Haynes said his favorite part of the event is after the shopping, when he can talk to students and find out the best part of their morning.

“Nine out of 10 say, it’s spending time with her or hanging out with him — the volunteers who they shopped with. It’s great to have things they need, but sometimes an adult who's genuinely interested in them can be their highlight,” he said. “That's the most heartwarming part
for me.” λ