There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back to your community, and there’s no better time to start than now. Here are a few local organizations that could use your help this holiday season – and beyond.

Utah Food Bank

Utah Food Bank distributed nearly 53 million pounds of food to hungry Utahns last year, and they’re going strong this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. With school closures and job losses piling up during this trying time, demand has soared in 2020. Utah Food Bank has done its best to adapt, expanding its Mobile Pantry Program and partnering with school districts to provide bagged lunches to children who depend on the school meals they’re missing out on. The best way you can help Utah Food Bank right now is to donate money. You can also volunteer your time.

Hearts Knit Together

Salt Lake City-based Hearts Knit Together is a nonprofit volunteer organization that “collects, crafts, and assembles” kits of personal items for those escaping domestic violence, sexual abuse, or war. You can help by donating items such as toys, games, puzzles, clothing, or personal hygiene products or by using your skills to handcraft things like quilts, book bags, blankets, hats, scarves, or baby bibs. Check out the Hearts Knit Together website for details on all the ways you can help.

Sew Much Hope

This Sandy-based organization provides sewing machines to refugees in the U.S. and those in need in other parts of the world. The idea is to give these individuals a tool they can use to earn extra income, start a small business, or simply handle day-to-day repairs. If you happen to have a neglected sewing machine sitting around gathering dust, consider donating it. And, in the much more likely scenario that you don’t have a spare sewing machine, you can make a cash donation that Sew Much Hope can use to purchase machines and parts.

For more lifestyle tips and ideas for fun things to do in and around South Jordan, check out the Olympus at Daybreak blog.