Juan Diego High School wrestlers run 'Operation Keep Warm'

Photo courtesy of Juan Diego Catholic High School

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The Juan Diego Catholic High School team headed the Operation Keep Warm project this year and collected many bags of clothing and other items for those in need.

DRAPER- This year the Juan Diego Catholic High School wrestling team ran Operation Keep Warm, in its ninth year. They have chosen to donate all items to Catholic Community Services Saint Vincent de Paul Center and Weigand Day Shelter.

Operation Keep Warm was started in 2001 by The Dennis Family of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Magna, as a way to give back to others and their Magna community. Drop off locations were coordinated at the parish in Magna, the Salt Lake County Library and local businesses. Some years truckloads of donations were received, and others, not so much.

Over the years the Dennis family has involved various groups and youth groups, and Boy Scout and Girls Scout troops.

In the past donations have benefitted The Road Home, Catholic Community Services' Weigand Day Shelter, the Salvation Army, the Arc of Utah, the Assistance League of Utah, Community Action Program, and many families in need.

According to a spokesperson at the St. Vincent de Paul Center, donations are down from this time last year. Everything that is donated helps those in need, even if it is just a dollar store pair of gloves, a gently used coat or a blanket.