The Vernal Donation Station in the Kmart parking lot is humanity at its best. The operation is simple. Several tables are set up where anyone can drop off donations of food or goods and anyone can pick up what they need no questions asked. The idea for it came about on a whim, shares Keith Barton, the man that spearheaded the operation. Every day that they have been set up they have been able to help dozens of families. “This is all based on donations,” shares Keith. “There has been no monetary change of hands. It has all just been people in Vernal and the surrounding area coming out and making donations that are then available for families in need to simply take what they need.” The Barton family was soon joined by Buck Herbert and his family and between the two big hearted families the table is available many days of the week usually from 11am to 4pm. Rain, wind, and snow have not stopped their cause of helping locals hit by these hard times over the last 6 weeks and they estimate that the Vernal Donation Station has helped over 900 families so far. Keith’s daughter Tessa has taken the operation to heart and is using it as a way to continue to serve as Miss Eastern Utah’s Outstanding Teen even during this time of social distancing. “It has been an amazing experience,” shares Tessa after recounting how a car had just pulled up with hundreds of dollars in donations that had just come straight from the grocery store. “The meaning behind it all is huge,” continues Tessa. “It’s community supporting community and friends sharing with friends and neighbors.” Keith says their group has worked hard to be safe and follow the guidelines they have been given and so far all the feedback they have received has been positive. For more information on the Vernal Donation Station follow the Vernal Strong page on Facebook or watch for the tables set up in front of Kmart and stop by!
