Turn-About Ranch Celebrates Success With Donation Program

ESCALANTE, UT, March 20, 2014

The students of Turn-About Ranch have much to celebrate this year. Along with making progress with their academic and personal issues, they have succeeded at managing an impressive toy donation program. Turn-About Ranch implemented the program in 2013 and students are pleased to announce the end of a successful first year.

Turn-About Ranch's new donation program provides toys and blankets to children around the world. To date, the program has reached children in many areas including Bolivia, the Ukraine and numerous regions within the United States. The children who receive these materials typically live in underprivileged environments such as shelters, orphanages and other similar agencies. For these children, the gift of a blanket or a toy makes a world of difference. A spokesperson for Turn-About Ranch said, "We not only provide material resources to these children, but we also demonstrate that we care."

What makes Turn-About Ranch's donation program so unique is that all blankets and toys distributed are homemade. The school's students create each item, which instills a sense of pride in their work. The project is an extension of Turn-About Ranch's specialized services. Students are taught how to make the materials, which not only boosts their self-esteem but also teaches valuable life skills. Although the toys are simply designed, students of Turn-About Ranch are gaining experience in woodworking and other areas that could lead to career opportunities down the road.

Many students have been personally touched since working with the program, as they understand just what a difference something so seemingly minor as a blanket or a toy can make for a child living in poverty. The program has been a big success since its founding and quickly gained popularity within the Turn-About Ranch community, as an increasing number students wanted to be a part of the action. As Turn-About Ranch encourages community involvement, all students are welcome to participate in the project.

For the students and staff at Turn-About Ranch, sending toys and blankets to impoverished areas across the world is a very big deal. A staff member at the school remarked, "It's such an honor for us to send our toys and blankets overseas. We didn't think our program would grow to this level so quickly." The students have been equally surprised, as the fruits of their labor have literally touched children's lives on a global scale. Students are also encouraged to bring toys and blankets back to their hometowns as a means of spreading goodwill in their native areas. Many students have taken advantage of this offer and have donated these items to local agencies.

Given the success of Turn-About Ranch's toy and blanket donation, it is likely the project will become an integral feature of the school's programming. As long as students are interested in community service projects, there will be a need for more donations. Fortunately for children across the globe, the students of Turn-About Ranch are not likely to give up helping others anytime soon.

About: Turn-About Ranch is an alternative education program in Escalante, Utah for teenagers with psychiatric issues, substance abuse problems and difficulty with social/emotional functioning.