SALT LAKE CITY, UT , December 3, 2009 — A toothbrush for Christmas. Such a humble item brings dignity and comfort to someone without one. Through December 18, the public is invited to contribute oft forgotten gifts. They will be distributed by The Road Home, a local non-profit agency that helps the homeless. Four of Utah's University of Phoenix locations, right off freeway exits, will be collection points (hours and locations below).

Needed donations for The Road Home:

* Toothbrushes
* Unopened packages of socks and underwear
* Simple hygiene items (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste)

This project was inspired by the University's homecoming speaker, community advocate Pamela Atkinson, last September. "We were touched to hear a personal story from her youth… how she put cereal box cardboard inside her shoes to cover up the holes," said Darris Howe, University of Phoenix Utah Vice President. "This project was her suggestion and that’s why we’re asking the community, our students, faculty and employees to focus on the forgotten gifts this year."

Who:
The community is invited to make donations to The Road Home

Where:
Four of Utah's University of Phoenix locations – addresses, hours below

What:
Public drop off points for toothbrushes, unopened packages of socks, underwear and simple hygiene items (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste)

Why:
Simple gifts for those in need, to be distributed by The Road Home.

When:
Through December 18 during regular University business hours:

Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. - Noon

University Drop-off Locations / Freeway Access

Murray:
5373 South Green Street, Suite #100
(I-15 Exit 5300 South)
(801) 506-4000

Taylorsville:
4393 Riverboat Road, Suite #100
(I-15 Exit 4500 South)
(801) 290-4550

Pleasant Grove:
2174 West Grove Parkway
(I-15 Exit #275)
(801) 772-4601

North Davis:
1366 Legend Hills Drive
(I-15 Exit #332)
(801) 825-1891

About The Road Home

The Road Home is a private non-profit social service agency that assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake County and along the Wasatch Front. Its mission is to help people step out of homelessness and back into our community. Originally established in 1923 to assist stranded travelers, the Road Home has grown to address a spectrum of needs that people experiencing homelessness encounter as they work to restore their lives. In addition to operating the largest shelter in Utah, the Road Home has developed a comprehensive housing program that helps people move into housing as quickly as possible. http://www.theroadhome.org

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. During the quarter ending August 31, 2009, 443,700 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. www.phoenix.edu

Contact

Utah Media contacts:
Jeri Cartwright 801-574-6146
Darris Howe 801-506-4152