Smith’s Supports South Valley Services with Donations

By Rachel Hall

 South Valley - Sometimes people need help. That is why Smith’s in West Jordan does what it can to give back to the community through various donations and outreach initiatives. South Valley Services (SVS), an organization providing support for women, children and men who are victims of domestic violence, recently received dozens of boxes of hygiene products from Smith’s as an initial donation and start of a partnership aimed at providing for those in need.

“As a non-profit organization we rely heavily on in-kind donations to meet the needs of the population we serve. Whether it is food, clothing, bedding, leisurely materials or hygienic needs, our contributors make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those who are in critical need. These generous acts of kindness, whether they are sacrifices of time or material things, have touched all of us here at SVS,” Cari Bobo, the donations and volunteer coordinator at SVS, said.

Scott Griffiths, the grocery manager at the Smith’s located at 4080 West 9000 South, said the store is excited to be able to give back to the community and looks forward to being a partner with SVS and other organizations well into the future.

“We come across this all the time, but we don’t know the avenues to help the community,” Griffiths said.

The donation of bodywash, panty liners and tampons, valued at close to $3,000, were items that the store was unsure of what to do with until a local resident mentioned the needs of SVS.

“It’s harder to see the local needs,” Griffiths said. “We have the backing of our company to go out and try to make a difference with people. Anyone with a need or a suggestion for giving back can bring the idea [to the store].”

 The same Smith’s location will host an animal shelter fundraiser in November, and recently donated beverages for a gala benefiting the Rape Recovery Center.

“[Giving back] really connects with the customers. You’ll find there is a lot of people willing to help,” Griffiths said.

South Valley Services shares the same vision when it comes to serving the community. The 90-day transitional shelter provides services to about 200 people at the shelter and 250 people in the community each year, according to Bobo.

“The donation that was provided by Smith’s has made a marked improvement on the needs we face every day here at SVS,” Bobo said.

Donations of items such as pillows, twin sheets and women’s underwear are a few of the current needs for the organization, which has a variety of ways for members of the community to become involved.

“We have several ways to get involved, both direct and non-direct client services. Donating items from our Urgent Needs List. Following us on Facebook and Twitter. Doing a drive for needed items. Special occasion activities; dinners and holidays. Special projects to improve the shelter. Working with children in our Children’s Learning Center. Answering hotline calls. Some volunteering opportunities come with mandatory training,” Bobo said.

The services of SVS are not limited to the residents of the shelter. The organization also has outreach centers located at Community Resource Centers in West Jordan City Hall and Riverton City Hall, where walk-ins are always welcome. 

A weekly healthy relationships class, designed to help empower people to build healthy relationships, is taught in English and Spanish at the Community Resource Centers. 

SVS also provides community presentations to individuals, groups, companies, churches, schools, classrooms and at any other function or location that is looking to learn more about domestic violence and services provided by the organization.

For more information, visit www.svsutah.org. Anyone who needs help can also reach SVS on their hotline number 801-255-1095.