Warm smiles tempered the cold night air on Friday as teens from Davis High School started a 24-hour campaign to collect winter clothes for needy children attending an inner-city Ogden elementary school.
Half a dozen boys and girls bundled in hats and coats stood in front of a Kaysville grocery store asking for donations from customers as they passed. The teens are members of the LIFE Club, which stands for Leaders Impacting the Family Environment. The club is made up of about 50 Davis High students and focuses on strengthening the family and home."We want to become better kids," said Sheila Langford, LIFE vice president. "We do a lot of family oriented things."
Langford said the idea to "go homeless" for 24 hours while doing something to help less fortunate people came after the principal of the Ogden elementary school spoke to their group about the needs of the children in his classrooms. "This is a kickoff for a clothing drive that starts next week at the high school," Langford said. "We're going to try to make this a yearly event."
Deric Vanbree, 18, was representing the Best Buddies Club, which is joining with LIFE to gather money and clothing for the elementary school. The Best Buddies Club is also from Davis High and places students in one-on-one partnerships with mentally disabled students in the school.
"We do service projects throughout the year," Vanbree said. "Helping puts everything into perspective. It makes you grateful to have what you have."
Sarah Mulholland, LIFE president, said helping children is important to her. "I want to become an elementary teacher." The club has also decorated a Christmas tree for the women's shelter.
Most of the teens planned to stay through the night and all day Saturday. "Some are coming and going, but most of us are staying for 24 hours," said Langford. Students' parents have volunteered to bring breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
Club members hope the community will support their efforts. "It helps them donate more when they know it's for kids," said Tawnya Goodson, 17. Many customers promised to return to the store with coats and hats to donate.
Donations gathered from the "going homeless" event and the Davis High School clothing drive will be delivered to the Ogden children in time for Christmas.