ST. GEORGE — As inflation continues to rise and families struggle with back-to-school expenses, BluSky Restoration stepped up to help students in Southern Utah.
Backpacks full of school supplies sit on a table at Sandstone Elementary School during a back-to-school event, St. George, Utah, Aug. 9, 2024 | Photo by Bridger Palmer, St. George News
At back-to-school night Friday evening at Sandstone Elementary School in St. George, the company set up a row of tables with food, treats and 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need.
“We were told Sandstone Elementary students and parents could use a helping hand,” Dotti Higley, business development manager for BluSky Restoration, told St. George News. “We decided to run with it for the community. Let’s face it, the times are getting a little tough right now. Inflation is out of control, and we love to give back to the community.”
The backpacks, which were shipped in for the event, cost about $10 each, including all the supplies inside.
“We got a great deal on that,” Higley said.
Each backpack was filled with various school supplies, notebooks, pencil boxes and other essentials.
The Sandstone Elementary School sign welcomes students back, St. George Utah, Aug. 9, 2024 | Photo by Bridger Palmer, St. George News
After the back-to-school night opening concluded, students rushed to the back of the auditorium to receive a backpack, hotdogs and treats.
“The goal was to ensure that children in the community started the school year with the supplies they needed to succeed,” Higley said.
For many families, this event provided much-needed relief.
“We just couldn’t afford it this year,” school parent Matt Tamplin said.
BluSky Restoration’s backpack giveaway was part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support the local community.
“Any opportunity that we had to touch the lives of others, we’d love to try and help out anywhere we can,” Higley said.
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