SALT LAKE CITY(August 20, 2009) - The Educators Mutual Apple Tree program, a six-week campaign to collect new clothing and school supplies, culminated today with the delivery of more than 2,600 items for more than 50 school-aged children living in The Road Home Shelter and affordable housing. As part of the event, each child received a backpack filled with shirts, pants and shoes as well as school supplies.
“Because of the challenging economy this year, the needs for back-to-school at The Road Home have never been greater,” said Christie Hawkes, senior vice president, Educators Mutual. “We created the program to give these deserving children a boost and to provide an opportunity to work with the community and help during this time of year as our commitment to making a difference for Utah educators and the students they serve.”
Educators Mutual Apple Trees were set-up during July at various businesses, including 15 DownEast locations along the Wasatch Front, three Salt Lake Staples locations and in the lobbies of FM 100 and Educators Mutual. This year’s campaign also offered the option of selecting an apple online at www.educatorsmutual.com. Participants selected an apple that listed the name of a child living in the shelter or affordable housing and purchased a needed back-to-school item.
“Most of these children would go back to school with very little if any new clothing if not for the generosity of so many who participated in the Apple Tree program,” said Celeste Eggert, director of community relations, The Road Home. “It is gratifying to see these children get some fun and useful items during a very trying time in their lives. We are grateful for the efforts of Educators Mutual, FM 100 and the other organizations that made this possible.”
In addition to the donations from the community, FM 100 donated 60 clothing items, Costco provided 90 backpacks and Little Ceasers supplied pizza for the delivery event at The Road Home. Last year, the Educators Mutual Apple Tree campaign collected nearly 1,000 items for each for each of the children at The Road Home and living in affordable housing. For more information about the campaign, visit www.educatorsmutual.com.
Educators Mutual Insurance Association of Utah is a nonprofit organization, which has been serving the needs of Utah’s employers for more than 70 years by maximizing heath benefits while keeping premiums at a minimum. Educators Mutual offers insurance benefits and services to government, businesses and public and higher education groups such as Utah Transit Authority, Alpine School District and Washington County. Plans are underwritten or provided by Educators Mutual Insurance Association of Utah; Educators Health Care; Educators Health Plans Health; and Educators Health Plan Life; Accident and Health. For more information about Educators Mutual insurance, visit: www.educatorsmutual.com
The Road Home is a private, non-profit social service agency established in 1923 that works to help people step out of homelessness and back into the community through emergency services, personalized case management, and collaboration with additional resources. Children living in the Shelter attend schools in the Salt Lake City School District.