Copper Hills Grizzlies are fierce, especially when it comes to helping out the local community. Every year, they gather money to provide a nice Christmas for children that otherwise wouldn’t get very much. 

“It used to be called Sub for Santa, but now it’s Paws for a Cause, like grizzly paws,” teacher and student government adviser Scott Adamson said. “We use the money to buy Christmas for any child from infant up to 18 years old.”

The school held a kickoff assembly on Dec. 3, and the collections will continue until the closing assembly on Dec. 18. Creativity counts as the students try to raise at least $20,000 in a few short weeks. 

“We have ‘The Night Before Christmas’ dance on Dec. 13 that is put on by the class officers. All the money will go toward this program,” Adamson said. “There’s a talent show at the school on Dec. 5 that costs $5 for an individual and $15 for a family. Also, our student body officers literally walk around with donation pails all the time.”

The clubs at the school turn the event into a friendly competition to encourage more donations. Latinos in Action, FCCLA and FBLA are some of the clubs that get involved. People of the Pacific Club make Polynesian food and sell it at lunchtime. After they pay for the cost of the food, they donate the rest. At the closing assembly, the clubs that raise the most money get to pour honey on the heads of their competition. 

“Our fundraising is strictly kids, parents and community,” Adamson said. “Our students usually do so well, there’s money left over that we can use to help others throughout the year.” 

For Christmas, the gifts usually include clothing, coats, boots and basic necessities. If there is extra money, they add a few toys. 

“We like to keep it local. Last year, we delivered presents to 114 kids, and 100 of them were in West Jordan boundaries,” Adamson said. “Probably 80 or 90 percent of the proceeds stay in West Jordan and mostly Copper Hills. We like to shop locally, we like to donate locally.”

On Black Friday, several student body officers helped bag purchases at Smith’s Marketplace in West Jordan. The store donated money to get the fundraiser started, and the students got to start their service right away. 

“Our principal, Todd Quarnberg, is behind it. It’s a good program. We want our students to learn more than academics,” Adamson said. “I’m lucky just to be a part of it.”