Utah Angel Tree Success

Angel Tree at John Volken Academy Utah

The 2025 Utah Angel Tree campaign at John Volken Academy Utah was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with generosity and purpose. Because of the overwhelming support from individuals, businesses, and community partners, Christmas came together in a meaningful and memorable way for the men in our life-skills program.

We are incredibly proud of the results of this campaign and deeply grateful for everyone who helped make it possible.

Campaign Goals and Community Outreach

Our goal for this year’s Utah Angel Tree campaign was to fund Christmas for 60 students at John Volken Academy Utah. With an estimated cost of $300 per student, we set a combined cash and in-kind goal of $18,000. These funds would provide essential clothing, personal care items, and a dignified Christmas experience for each student.

To reach the community, we hosted five Angel Tree locations across Davis County:

Each location played a key role in connecting supporters with the mission of John Volken Academy Utah and the men working every day to build stable, productive lives.

Exceeding the Goal and Expanding the Impact

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we exceeded our fundraising goal by 56 percent, allowing us to go above and beyond for our students this Christmas.

As a result, we were able to provide Christmas gifts for 63 students, ensuring that every man felt seen, supported, and valued. Each student received:

Two complete outfits, one formal and one casual
A new pair of shoes
Socks and underwear
A Harry’s five-blade shave kit
A brand-new blanket generously donated by Minky Couture

These items were thoughtfully selected to meet practical needs while also honoring the dignity and progress of each student.

More Than Gifts

Beyond the numbers, the impact of the Utah Angel Tree campaign reached far deeper. Our students shared a family-style Christmas together, creating a moment of connection that reflected the work they have put into their recovery and personal growth.

Experiences like this reinforce an important message. The men at John Volken Academy Utah are supported, believed in, and not alone. That sense of belonging and encouragement carries lasting value well beyond the holiday season.

Thank You to Our Angel Tree Supporters

This campaign was only possible because of the generosity of our community. We would like to sincerely thank the individuals and organizations who supported the Utah Angel Tree at John Volken Academy Utah.

If there is anyone we may have missed, please know how deeply grateful we are for every gift, every share, and every act of support. This campaign reflects the strength of our community, and we truly could not have done it without you.

Community Partners and Organizations

Minky Couture
John Volken Foundation
Scheels
Stubbs Dental Implant Center
First Community Bank Utah
Mountain America Credit Union

Angel Tree Host Locations

Layton Hills Mall
South Davis Recreation Center
Mountain America Credit Union – Centerville
First Community Bank – Layton
First Community Bank – Bountiful

Individual Supporters

Layne Denton
Wayne and Carol Carlson
Jennifer Clark
Brian Cordner
Raymond and Laurie Cutler
David and Melita Hill
James Sorenson
Robert Lisonbee
Alisa Plummer
Barbara Finn
Tracy Murray
Nancy Tomon
Lorna Koci
Shawn Kearns
Tracy Williams
Shelby Lopaz
Justin Hoaglin
Francois Carrier
Michelle Salas
Nicole Cummings
Brad Lloyd
Jaynee Poulson
Aspiree Stathis
Kevin Riehl

Michael Jones
Barbara Butterfield
Al Richards
Lori Pehrson
Rob Berman
Dane
Kizzi
Angie Sterner
Selena Sass
Reina, Mom, and Carmen
Lacee Klem
Lacee, Bradley, Kaymen, and Aria
Justin Jones
Jason Moon
Levi Ball
Lamar Wasden

Katie
The Eichelberger Family
Carson Maughan
Bryan Jensen
Heather Gooss
Tina Prieto
Brooke Scheurer
Rori and David Doty
Louise McDowell
Jesse Sass
Lorenzo
Miguel Valdez
Dean Jones
Chalee Thompson
Mark Taylor
Shawn Frasier
Cesar
Wendy Phillips
Angela Silver
Terri Musgrave
Wes and Jenn Guy
Beth Bowers
Adam and Christina
Aunt Niecy