Utah, a state renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, is also a place where community values and volunteerism thrive. This spirit of giving was recently recognized when Utah was named the #1 state for formal volunteer service in the United States.
Upholding Utah's reputation for community spirit, Bank of Utah's Warm Bodies, Warm Souls clothing drive stands as a testament to the state's unwavering commitment to giving back. This annual event, now in its 11th year, has consistently demonstrated the power of collective action, reaching remarkable milestones in 2023.
With a record-breaking 611 bags of warm clothing and $7,500 in monetary donations, the drive's impact reached across Utah, providing crucial support to those in need. These contributions from community members statewide went to 12 nonprofit organizations, ensuring that individuals and families have access to essential winter attire.
Donations were distributed to the following charities:
- Cache Community Food Pantry ‒ Logan
- Tremonton Community Pantry ‒ Tremonton
- The Family Support Center ‒ Brigham City
- Catholic Community Services ‒ Ogden
- The Lantern House ‒ Ogden
- Bountiful Community Pantry ‒ Bountiful
- Crossroads Urban Center ‒ Salt Lake City
- The Road Home ‒ Salt Lake City
- Community Action Services and Food Bank ‒ Orem
- The Well Pregnancy Center ‒ St. George
- Heber Valley Center Stage ‒ Heber
- United Way of Eastern Utah ‒ Price
A Tradition, and a Force for Good
Bank of Utah started the Warm Bodies, Warm Souls coat drive in 2011, and Arctic Circle Restaurants and their foundation, Arctic Cares, joined in 2014, which broadened the campaign through their 38 locations and their in-store and direct mail advertising. And now, for the fifth year, Red Hanger has also played a vital role in the effort. Not only did they offer 12 drop-off locations, but they also generously used their trucks to deliver donation bins to many locations and pick up them up at the end of the campaign.
"As representatives of Utah’s generous business community, we have a wonderful opportunity to give back with efforts like Warm Bodies, Warm Souls. It really warms our hearts to see how our customers and friends have generously joined us in collecting warm clothes for people who are struggling to cover the basics for their families during the coldest time of the year," said representatives of Arctic Circle and Red Hanger.
A number of local businesses joined in this year, with Great Dane Transportation and Gandy Dancer Mercantile collecting items and dropping them off at donation sites. Other community members took the time to make handmade items to donate. Utahns, united in a spirit of generosity, made the true meaning of giving come alive.
A Sincere Thank You
“We know the struggles many families in our great state are facing," said Branden Hansen, president of Bank of Utah. "We at Bank of Utah express continued gratitude for the large donations given to help those in need. Donations were higher than they have ever been and we are thrilled to be able to help so many in Utah this holiday season.”
Bank of Utah, Arctic Circle, and Red Hanger are deeply grateful for your incredible generosity. Your kindness has a ripple effect, positively transforming the lives of others.
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