Aiding students in need across several communities, Young Powersports and the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation gathered volunteers on Oct. 8 to stuff 400 backpacks with living essentials for teens experiencing homelessness.

“It was incredible to see the community come together for this effort,” said Jeramie Young, director of Young Powersports. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to serve those in need, and proud to stand with education foundations and other philanthropic organizations in the fight against teen homelessness.”

Held at Young Powersports XL Centerville, the event brought in several attendees — including Centerville mayor Clark Wilkinson as well as athletes, cheerleaders and coaches from Weber State University. After an introduction and presentation on the needs that exist in the community, volunteers were organized into assembly lines, and tasked with placing items such as clothing, sweats, gloves, socks, beanies, blankets and hygiene products into backpacks.

The now-assembled donations will be distributed by Young Caring for Our Young to teen drop-in centers throughout Utah — which provide students in need with access to showers, laundry machines, computers, food and support staff.

“This is an initiative we love partnering with Young Powersports on,” said Tami Olsen, director of Young Caring for Our Young. “As a foundation, we’re committed to supporting the most vulnerable children in our community. By engaging our volunteers and partners, we’re creating an army of people who are passionate about helping them.”

This year’s Power Up Against Teen Homelessness event coincides with the Young Automotive Group’s 100 year anniversary. Founded by Seldon “Jack” Olsen in 1924, the company has grown from a small service shop to over 30 franchises across Utah, Idaho and Montana. 

Young Powersports first became a part of the Young Automotive Group in 2015. They’ve since built and acquired eight locations — including the industry’s largest dealership in Utah, Young Powersports XL Centerville. 

Though the company and foundation have carried out philanthropic Power Up initiatives for four years, the annual backpack event began in 2023. Both organizations have said that they plan to continue hosting Power Up moving forward.

“What’s great about working for a company that’s dedicated to giving back is that there’s no shortage of opportunities to make a difference,” said Young. “It’s easy to get caught up in things throughout the day, but opportunities like this help me take a step back and put things into perspective.”