Newcomer to Utah Leads Giving Tree Initiative to Support Local Community
Sam and Kim Salisbury and Palmer and Camille Hawkins aim to help children in need during the holiday season through the Giving Tree Initiative.
People & Culture
Kim Salisbury has quickly embraced her new home and is already making a significant impact by spearheading the Giving Tree initiative for the Failed Fest that recently took place at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple in downtown Salt Lake City. Having recently moved from Los Angeles, with a stop in Jackson, Wyoming, she reflects on the benefits of her new life in Utah, including its family-friendly atmosphere, abundant outdoor activities like skiing, and the sense of community. “It’s such a family-friendly state. I kind of wish it was like that in more places in the US,” she shared, noting how much she appreciates being close to extended family after years of living farther away.
Despite being new to the state and unfamiliar with the concept of Giving Trees, Kim eagerly accepted the challenge of organizing the initiative for Failed Fest. The Giving Tree program aims to connect local nonprofits with donors to fulfill nominations for those in need during the holiday season. “We quickly got some specs together and found a nonprofit partner that is current and up to date in Utah, because we haven’t moved our 501(c)(3) from California. It’s been sort of dormant because we kind of started it, and then COVID hit, and then we had two babies back-to-back,” she explained.
Partnering with local organizations like the Wellness Farm, Kim worked on a tight timeline to set up the program. Resolving this issue was crucial to ensure seamless promotion and encourage community participation. “Getting the links and promotion right before the article goes live is so important,” she emphasized.
Looking ahead, Kim and her team are focused on the next steps to maximize the Giving Tree’s reach and impact. They are preparing a press release and a clear call to action to inspire donors and participants. The ultimate goal is to fulfill as many nominations as possible before Christmas while considering ways to streamline and improve the process for future iterations.
Kim’s enthusiasm for the Giving Tree initiative reflects her broader commitment to giving back to the community she now calls home. “The Utah community has been so welcoming,” she said. “We’re excited to leverage local resources and connections to support those in need, especially during the holiday season.”
As the Giving Tree initiative moves forward, it stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the generosity of the Utah community.
"This initiative represents the power of community collaboration," adds Camille Hawkins, LCSW, founder of The Wellness Farm. "When local organizations unite, we can create a substantial impact for those who need it most."
How to Participate:
- Nominate individuals or families in need (through December 23rd)
- Select and fulfill ornament wishes (through December 23rd)
- Become a sponsor
All monetary donations are tax-deductible through The Wellness Farm's 501(c)(3) status, with tax receipts provided. Any physical gifts can be dropped off for distribution (email kim@thewellpeople.org to make arrangements) or monetary donations will go to support curated Amazon Wish Lists or Walmart Gift Cards.
Key Dates:
Nomination Period: Now through December 23rd
Donation Acceptance: Through December 23rd
Gift Distribution: Week of Christmas
For more information or to participate, contact Kim Whitman Salisbury at
kim@thewellpeople.org or click on the Nomination, Sponsorship Form, or Ornament Purchase Page directly.