Community comes together to provide Christmas to homeless kids & struggling families
FARMINGTON, Utah — The group behind Farmington Community Christmas is currently gathering toys to give to families for the upcoming holiday.
"The purpose is to deliver Christmas joy to those that are struggling," said Scott Ellenson, co-chairman for Farmington Community Christmas.
The organization works with local schools in the Davis and Salt Lake County areas to identify kids who could use toys, clothes, and more.
"There is approximately 13-to-14-hundred homeless kids in Davis County today," Ellenson said.
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Community members donate money and gifts that the group will wrap and deliver to schools. People can also nominate families they know could use help this year.
"There's a lot of people in need; a lot of people just need a lift," said Barbara Frodsham, who started this effort 30 years ago.
It used to be known as "Frodsham Community Christmas" and started with Frodsham and a friend picking up people from the streets and bringing them home for a Christmas meal and needed items.
Frodsham wanted to help her friend forget a hardship she was going through that year.
"Best way to forget yourself is to think to think of somebody else," Frodsham said.
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It eventually evolved into hosting hundreds of families at the Frodsham farm to get gifts, food, and more. The area surrounding her home used to be a open lot that would get packed with cars for the event.
Now the community has grabbed hold of her spirit of giving, making it the endeavor it is today.
"We wanted just to continue to carry this forward," explained Ellenson. "One of the most important things I do."
Mountain America Credit Union donated $500 to help with Christmas gifts this year.
You can help buy gifts or donate money by visiting the Farmington Community Christmas website. You can also drop off new gifts at the Frodsham family farm in Farmington.
If you have a family you want to nominate and can help deliver their gifts, you can "shop" for them at an event on December 11th.
