Donate to Pioneer Theatre Company's Granite Education Foundation Book Drive

In a tradition that has spanned seven-years, Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC) enlists the help of its holiday patrons to support the services of Granite Education Foundation (GEF) and the "Santa Sacks" project.

PTC and GEF request that patrons attending the December 1-20, 2017 production of Newsies bring a new, unwrapped book for the Santa Sacks.

Books need to be new; used books are not needed at this time.

Books can be for any age K-12, although K-6 are preferred.

GEF has served students and teachers in Granite School District by facilitating education programs and providing basic needs such as food, clothing, school supplies and more. They provide Christmas to children who would normally not receive gifts. Last year, they distributed 3,200 "Santa Sacks" and expect an increase in requests this year.

PTC, a professional regional theatre, is producing Newsies for the holidays. "It is a show that speaks to the resourcefulness of young people (the "newsies") in times of poverty and want," said director Karen Azenberg. "These circumstances still exist today, but one way out is by fostering a love for reading and learning. We hope the book drive helps instill that love in children who might not otherwise be given the opportunity to fall in love with books."

In the past, PTC has partnered with Utah Food Bank, VOA, The Road Home and Utah Humane Society.

PTC estimates that just for Utah Food Bank, they have collected over 20,000 pounds over the years and expects similar success with the book drive. Ginette Bott, Chief Development Officer of Utah Food Bank, has successfully partnered in the past with PTC:

"Nonprofit organizations in our area are fortunate to have a partner like PTC," said Bott. "They are dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community by partnering with their patrons who embrace this opportunity to pay it forward."

Collection bins will be located in the lobby of Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre. Theatre patrons are encouraged to bring books to the performance they are attending, however donations can also be taken at any time during the day.

Collection bins are located in the lobby of Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre at 300 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, on the University of Utah campus. Donations can be made when arriving for Newsies, but also during business hours, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Pioneer Theatre Company, Salt Lake City's only fully professional theatre, performs at Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, located on the University of Utah campus at 300 South and 1400 East in Salt Lake City. Pioneer Theatre Company operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

Granite Education Foundation is recognized as one of the nation's foremost education foundations in one of America's largest school districts. Since 1988, the foundation has served students and teachers in Granite School District by facilitating education programs and providing basic needs such as food, clothing, school supplies and much more. In a school district with 65% of children living at or below the poverty level, Granite Education Foundation works with the help of individuals, community leaders and businesses to provide opportunities for all students and support for the district's dedicated educators.

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