Helping to give others a better, warmer holiday season are the hopes of many Draper students.

Draper Elementary is continuing its efforts from last year to support the community through donating to KSL’s Quarters for Christmas. If they reach it, this year’s goal of $200 will beat last year’s contributions of $150.

“This year we hope to raise even more, as we know how these funds benefit children and families within our own community, including the children at The Road Home shelter,” Principal Piper Riddle said.

In addition, Draper Elementary students are donating coats, hats, gloves, and boots for  the school’s own students in need, as well as for children at The Road Home shelter through Dec. 19.

“These items can be expensive, and we have hard-working families in our community that could use some help in providing these items for their children. At Draper Elementary, we strive to help our students become better learners, classmates and citizens. Giving and sharing are powerful life lessons we can teach to even the youngest of our students,” Riddle said.

Other schools are holding drives, including a sock drive at both American Preparatory Academy campuses to benefit The Road Home.

 St. John the Baptist held its annual Respect for Life Baby Project, where students collected hundreds of items for infants for St. Martha’s Baby Project and the Pregnancy Resource Center.

At St. John the Baptist Elementary, students are donating mittens that will be distributed along with candy to The Road Home, and third-graders also stuffed new pairs of socks with toiletries and tied them with ribbons for the Rescue Mission and Family Promise.

St. John collected more than 38,000 items of food for the parish food bank and Utah Food Bank.

Juan Diego Catholic School also concentrated on providing food by donating a 97-cent Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless at the Rescue Mission. When students donated, they wrote a thoughtful message on a paper plate and posted it on the school wall. Students raised more than $1,000.  They also have been making sleeping mats for the homeless by crocheting 250 plastic bags together for each sleeping mat, said school Director of Advancement Molly Dumas.

Juan Diego Catholic High School also collected items for its annual Gift of the Drummer. Working with Catholic Community Services, students helped 49 families by donating needed items.

For its Sub For Santa effort, Draper Park Middle School students provided needed items, from hats and coats to boxes of cereal, to students at Title I schools in Sandy and Midvale.

Providing to children overseas has been the annual effort for all Channing Hall students as well as St. John the Baptist second-graders. Students donate items to give to children as part of Operation Christmas Child. After bringing in items such as toiletries, school supplies and small toys, the students wrapped shoeboxes, which were sent to children worldwide.

Corner Canyon High School students are hoping to raise $20,000 for Primary Children’s Medical Center. Inspired by student government adviser Jana White’s son, who, after a serious car accident, has gone through multiple surgeries, students came to realize the services the hospital provides.

“Our goal is to provide service opportunities, as well as raise funds,” White said. “We hope students will contribute funds they earned by performing odd jobs or selling hot chocolate and caroling.”

The high school students have also had the support of local restaurants that donated a portion of their revenues for particular nights. Corner Canyon also held dodge ball and ping pong tournaments in which students paid a fee earmarked for Primary Children’s to participate. Students also donated books, movies and other needed items.