Little Hands, Big Impact: Park City Students Share Kindness with Local Seniors

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City School District after-school students are helping brighten the holiday season for older adults in Summit County by creating handmade cards filled with messages of kindness, encouragement, and connection.

The effort is part of Summit County Health’s Seniors Connections Campaign, led by the Behavioral Health and Prevention team, which works to reduce loneliness among seniors during the winter months. This year, Camp Hawk students at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School and Latinos in Action students at Ecker Hill Middle School contributed hundreds of cards that will be distributed through community partners and at all three senior centers across the county in December.

“These programs bridge learning gaps while giving students meaningful ways to give back,” said Todd Klarich, PCSD Community Education Director. “Projects like the Seniors Connections Campaign show students that their actions matter and that they have the power to make a positive difference.”

Michelle Coy, Community Education After-School Program Manager, said the collaboration reflects the heart of the district’s community education mission. “When students can apply creativity, compassion, and service in real-world ways, it strengthens both their learning and our community,” Coy said.

Daniela Moscoso, Prevention Specialist and Latino Outreach, shared the following statement on behalf of Summit County Health:

“With support from Camp Hawk students, Eckers' 8th Grade Leadership Class, as well as Ecker Hill’s Latinos in Action students, the campaign continues to grow and create meaningful multigenerational connections,” said Moscoso. “Cards will be shared with seniors through local partnerships and distributed at all three senior centers in Summit County this December.”

The Seniors Connections Campaign aligns directly with the goals of the after-school program, which provides academic support, enrichment opportunities, and meaningful real-world experiences for students. The structured environment helps improve homework completion, class participation, and growth in reading and math, while also encouraging creativity, service, and social-emotional development.

The program is also an essential support for working families, offering consistent and high-quality childcare that allows parents and guardians to maintain employment and stability in a high-cost region.

The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) plays a critical role in ensuring access and equity. As one of PCEF’s Signature Initiatives, after-school programs receive substantial funding and academic support. PCEF provided the initial seed funding that launched the program and continues to support its expansion and long-term sustainability.

“PCEF’s commitment ensures that after-school opportunities are available to every child, regardless of financial circumstances,” Klarich said. “Their partnership is vital to the academic and personal growth of our students.”

PCEF has supported the Latinos in Action classes at Ecker Hill and PCHS for over a decade providing thousands in funding yearly through its Classroom Grants program.