ST. GEORGE —Root for Kids is teaming up with Canyon Media to give the Southern Utah community an opportunity to participate in the seventh annual Root for Kids Radiothon and raise money for early childhood development.
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, Root for Kids, located at 2044 S. Mesa Palms Drive, will open its doors to the public to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood development and collect donations for the cause. Monetary donations will be accepted, as well as diapers, wipes, formula and children’s books.
Santa’s Workshop will be set up for the community to learn about Root for Kids, and children will be able to see Santa, write him letters and drink hot chocolate.
Root for Kids Development Director Monica Jones told St. George News that each year the Radiothon gets better and better.
“The first year we raised just over $5,000 and thats a combination of cash donations and the value of items such as a box of diapers or wipes and last year we hit our largest donation amount which was $30,000,” Jones said.
This year, Root for Kids has set a goal of raising $35,000, which includes a combination of both monetary and donated goods. Event participants also can help put together diaper bundles or developmental kits that workers will take to their weekly family visits.
“I am always impressed with the community of Washington County and how people step up when called upon,” Root for Kids CEO Suzanne Leonelli said.
Root For Kids is a nonprofit agency that provides services and support for pregnant women and children up to the age of 5, Leonelli said. Their mission is to help create environments that help to nurture strong beginnings.
Nikki Hope, Canyon Media’s events and promotions coordinator, said this year’s Radiothon has something for everyone in the community and added that they rely on donors and the community’s generosity.
“We exist because of donations and sponsors in this community … we need our sponsors and we need our community to help us grow more,” Hope said.
During the event on Wednesday, the Root for Kids’ parking lot will be alive with Christmas music and Canyon Media’s radio hosts. The Fan Sports Network 99.5 FM and 93.5 FM, Sunny 101.5 FM and Juan 104.1 FM will broadcast live and encourage the community to come to the event and show their support, along with KONY personalities.
All proceeds from the Radiothon will help benefit over 600 families in the community, according to the Root for Kids website.
Each year Root for Kids spends around $35,000 on diapers, which are delivered during home visits. They hope to offset that cost through donations and focus their efforts towards more services that benefit local families, Jones said.
Local businesses also can get involved by hosting a Root for Kids mini tree. Each ornament on these trees is decorated with wish list items that can be donated to benefit children in the community.
Find more information about the purpose behind Root for Kids and other ways to get involved online.
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