Catholic Community Services seeks help after losing $300,000 in donations

OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) — Catholic Community Services of Utah lost $300,000 after a donor decided to go in a different direction, and now they need help.

The program, called Bridge the Gap, provides thousands of meals to students on weekends and after school.

There is a great need for children and families in Ogden.

Sonja Davidson, principal of Odyssey Elementary, said this program not only helps children, but entire families as well.

“99% of our students live below the poverty line,” she said. “We know that students who come to school here and are fed are provided with breakfast and lunch. We don’t know what’s happening at home,” Davidson said.

She said Catholic Community Services has helped bridge that gap for students and families.

A recent change in donor contributions has created an increased need for the program.

“(A donor) felt like they needed to put their money elsewhere, and we understand that,” said Randy Chappell, director of basic needs at Catholic Community Services of Utah. “We’ve dealt with this before. When it comes to children, that’s the hardest part.”

Now officials at the charity said they needed help.

“Right now we need a lot of financial donations to continue this program and ensure children are fed,” Chappell said.

Davidson said the program also helps keep the school’s pantry stocked.

“We have students who literally rely on bringing food home every weekend,” she said. “They ask for a food bag to take home.”

She hoped that support for the program will continue.

“We just hope they continue to provide that high level of support. We really rely on our community partners at this school,” Davidson said. “There’s a saying: ‘It takes a village.’”

Donations can be sent to ccsutah.org.

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