TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — As Utah families struggle to keep up with inflation many schools are stepping in to help where they can.

“Clearly we’re not a store but we are a place that can give people a hand up instead of a hand out,” Emily Liddell, Principal of Taylorsville High School said.

In 2021 Taylorsville High School opened its Warrior Wellness Center, a place for students to find mental health resources and take a 10 minute calming break. But over the course of the year staff saw an increasing need for basic supplies like food, clothing, and hygiene products.

“Something as much as mints in your backpack, you don’t even think about that, but to a student some parents don’t have the money to buy their kids some mints, but what an awesome thing to be able to come in and get.”

In the first ten days of the 2022 school year the Warrior Wellness Center was visited by 105 students; 47 needing clothing, 41 needing food, 20 needing hygiene or school supplies, and 18 visited for a 10-minute calming break.

Liddell says to see this many children in need is heartbreaking – but she says Taylorsville High is a family, and she’s grateful students feel comfortable coming in for help.

“Student come into this school and know there are people that care about them, that want to take care of them not only physically but also take care of the emotional and send them off better than we found them – that is my goal,” Liddell said. “I want kids to know they are loved, that they’re cared about and that they can be safe here.”

Supplies in the Warrior Wellness Center has gone out the door fast, but Taylorsville High has been able restock thanks to the Community Council and Granite Education Foundation. But they’re always in need of supplies, especially meal bags and snacks near long weekends and holidays.

“When they come in carrying their stuff, there is a reason they’re angry, there is a reason they’re sad. And if it’s because they’re coming in hungry and tired because they’re trying to take care of physical needs at home, that’s something we need to help out.”

Donations can be made directly to the Warrior Wellness Center through the Granite Education Foundation.