For the first time, every Utah liquor store will collect donations for charity

SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time, every liquor store in Utah is coming together to collect donations for dozens of local charities. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services said that Gov. Spencer Cox’s call to Utah agencies encouraging service projects prompted the donation drive.

Every store will have a huge donation bin inside but each store will support different charities.

The reason?

DABS Communications Director Michelle Schmitt said it was the store employees who chose their charities.

“The store employees chose which organizations to support. So a lot of these organizations are, you know, they’re very localized for our families right in their communities.”

The department felt that it was the people who live and work in those neighborhoods who should make those choices. Schmitt said charities always need like-new winter coats and toiletries, but each store will have a list of items each charity needs.

For example, Amenda Kleven who manages the West Valley location is supporting the Ronald McDonald House because of her family’s connection with them.

“[I] really appreciate how much these store employees eagerly jumped at this opportunity to support their organizations in their communities,” Schmitt said.

The “Pick Up A Bottle, Leave A Donation Drive” will go will go beyond the holidays. Utahns can donate now through Feb. 29, 2024.

The DABS website lists the charities for which each store is collecting donations.

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