Riverton High School students raise over $150,000 for The Refuge Utah
Dec 20, 2024, 9:33 PM | Updated: 9:37 pm
RIVERTON — Friday was exciting for schools in the Jordan School District as the amount raised during a holiday charity drive was revealed to several student bodies.
Riverton High School students gathered in the gym to hear the results of a two-and-a-half-week charity drive they had been working nonstop on.
“This year, we did odd jobs, where we went out and knocked doors and say if you have an odd job for us in exchange for a donation, we’re willing to do that,” said Kaya Monson, the Riverton High School student body president.
From penny wars to bake sales and everything in between, the Riverton students learned they raised $173,487 for The Refuge Utah, a charity in Orem that helps victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
“I’ve never heard of another student body that is this involved in a charity month before. It’s amazing. I really feel like we have the best student body in the whole world,” Monson said.
A banner in the Riverton High School gym displaying how much money students raised. (KSL TV)
During their efforts, the students learned about domestic abuse in Utah and the need for more resources.
“Our shelter has been unfortunately too small for the demand that we have in the community, and so these funds will help us to be able to build a new facility,” said Ashlee Taylor, the Executive Director of The Refuge Utah.
Monson said hearing the stories of victims fueled the Riverton High School students’ efforts.
“I think the thing that stands out to me the most is the change you see within the students, you see that people are passionate about the cause that you’re promoting, and our student body ends up uniting a lot,” she said.
Giving back is a tradition at Riverton High School, and this year, students are proud of their efforts. They say raising this money has been the best way to celebrate Christmas.
“Kindness is the best gift you can give,” Monson said.
Five other high schools also raised several thousands of dollars for their charities:
- Bingham High School raised $85,741 for The Kauri Sue Hamilton School and Make-A-Wish Utah,
- Copper Hills High School raised $71,515 for Local Families in Need in the West Jordan Community,
- Herriman High School raised $141,436 for Children and The Earth Inc.,
- Mountain Ridge High School raised $142,907 Millie’s Princess Foundation,
- West Jordan High School raised $30,849 for Unbridled Hope and Healing.
According to the Jordan School District, the six schools raised a total of $645,935 for local charities.
