A major charitable event in Utah is set to provide much-needed support to homeless teenagers, with Young Powersports and the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation joining forces to distribute essential supplies. The event, which takes place at Young Powersports’ XL Centerville dealership on October 8, aims to fill 400 backpacks with essential living items for teens experiencing homelessness across the state.
Running from 6 to 8 p.m., the initiative will bring together volunteers from the community to assemble backpacks packed with clothing, blankets, and other critical supplies, including sweatshirts and hygiene products. The backpacks will then be distributed to teen drop-in centres around Utah, providing students in need with vital resources and services.
Speaking about the initiative, Jeramie Young, director of Young Powersports, expressed his pride in being involved: “Every opportunity we have to give back is treasured across our company. We’re grateful to partner with Young Caring for Our Young and the local education foundations to be a part of something that betters our community.”
This annual event, now in its fourth year, is funded by each Young Powersports dealership. Volunteers are organised into assembly lines during the event, helping to pack the backpacks with care. The initiative plays a crucial role in supporting Utah’s drop-in centres, which offer homeless teenagers access to laundry, showers, computers, food, and support staff.
Tami Olsen, director of Young Caring for Our Young, highlighted the importance of the effort, stating, “We’re passionate about this event, and are thrilled with the amount of support we receive from our partners and the community at large. The development of teen drop-in centres throughout the state is critical to the stability and dignity of the young people in need. By sending these backpacks to these centres, we’re helping some of the most vulnerable children in our community.”
Dignitaries attending the event include Centerville city mayor Clark Wilkinson and members of the Davis Chamber of Commerce. The event will also see participation from local education foundations in Davis, Weber, and Ogden, as well as athletes and coaches from Weber State University.
The charitable effort is part of a broader celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Young Automotive Group. Founded in 1924 by Seldon “Jack” Olsen, the company has grown from a single dealership to encompass over 30 franchises across Utah, Idaho, and Montana. Despite its business success, the company remains committed to maintaining strong ties with the community.
Reflecting on the company’s milestone and its commitment to giving back, Jeramie Young commented, “We’re a company that values tradition, and I think that’s one of the reasons why holding a charitable event like this is so special during our 100th year. This speaks to our identity as a company that strives to be more than a business. We know that our success wouldn’t be possible if we weren’t part of an amazing community, and that fuels a passion to be a force for good.”
The event is an opportunity for the wider community to get involved and support homeless teens in Utah, with organisers hoping for a strong turnout of volunteers to help pack and distribute the backpacks. For more information, individuals are encouraged to visit the Young Powersports website.
