Every year hundreds of families around the globe request assistance in getting clothes, books, bedding, and toys for Christmas. For five years now Kaysville city has run a non-profit organization called Kaysville GIVES to do just that. A project that according to Director Mindi Edstrom, has helped every family that has signed up. 

Kaysville GIVES was created to help give back to the community and it started with just 10 families, Mountain High School, Safe Harbor, and Bountiful Food Pantry. Five years later it now reaches 45 families and counting and its vision remains the same as it was in the beginning.

“The vision and goal of Kaysville GIVES has always been to give back to those who are in need in our own community,” said Edstrom. From church groups, to soccer teams, everyone seems to come together to make this vision remain true. 

So what makes Kaysville GIVES different? Unlike some organizations that have an age cut off, or certain items that can be donated and received, Kaysville GIVES helps everyone and accepts any donation. Starting the first of October the organization begins by “collecting the needs of local organizations,” Edstrom said. Then they begin assigning Christmas tree tags the week of Thanksgiving, with financial donations including gift cards handed out the first Saturday of December. This is done at Kaysville Fire Station during their “Fill the Fire Truck” event. 

“We were so nervous to do Kaysville GIVES last year,” she said. “It was even bigger than years before.” 

With a nationwide pandemic that either sent parents home, or laid them off, it’s not a big surprise that the number of families requesting help grew in number. Donning masks and with hand sanitizer at the ready, everyone came together to make 2020 another successful year.

Due to the pandemic a few changes were made to include an Amazon Wishlist, and the option of choosing Christmas tree tags online. With the exception of the many service groups that come together each year, Edstrom has a few people that help her make every year a successful one. Tami Tran, Crista Crane, Malia Roundy, Karen dent, and Shanna Barker are just a few of the super heroes that help to make Christmas for every family that signs up. To donate or request help this holiday season families can go to www.kaysvillegives.com or they can contact Edstrom herself at [email protected]. 

“There is something amazing that is created when you have people wanting to reach out and serve those in their community.” — Director Mindi Edstrom