Sugar Salem cross-country team donates to local crisis center
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REXBURG– Teens and their parents have put time and sweat into raising money for a local crisis center.
“It’s youth driven. It’s the youth stepping up and saying, ‘We’re going to play a role in our community,'” said Margie Harris, executive director for the Family Crisis Center.
The Sugar-Salem cross-country team gave $1,000 to the Family Crisis Center in Rexburg. About 55 athletes and their families raised funds through local races as well as reaching out the community for support.
Over the last four years the team has helped the crisis center by giving canned food items and monetary donations. This year the teens were able to raise more money than ever before.
“The coaches on that team wanted to step it up on their support for us,” Harris said.
The races hosted were the “To Bone and Back” race, a 40-mile relay race in Idaho Falls, and the “Upper Valley Turkey Trot,” a 5k in Rexburg.
Assistant cross country coach Janson Jardine said next year he expects more participation in both races.
“They’re going to continue to increase, and so that means next year we’ll be able to donate even more money to the Family Crisis Center,” Janson said.
Janson said the team is happy to help an organization that is focused on aiding families. Last year, center was helping about 80 families — this year it’s increased to about 125.
“They’re helping local families in the area, helping provide meals and clothing and everyday needs,” Janson said.
Harris said it’s been a benefit to know the community stands behind the center in its efforts to serve.
The donation will go toward the paying for food and its distribution to families the center is helping.