Most people use their wedding registries to build upon their wants in life (think blenders, juicers, rose gold flatware and more), but one Utah teacher is using her registry to help those in need.
Ahead of her September wedding, Copper Hills High School teacher Rickee Stewart was dismayed to discover that close to 100 homeless students fill the hallways of the building daily. Many remain anonymous despite their struggles to find access to basic living essentials.
“One of my students walked up very quietly and said, ‘So, my mom wants to know how I can actually get some of that food,'” the future bride told local NBC News affiliate KSL-TV. “It’s very real.”
Stewart learned of the need after her high school arranged a food pantry, and the impassioned educator decided to utilize her upcoming wedding for good. In lieu of gifts, the bride has asked guests to purchase and donate other registered items that will go straight to the school district’s students.
“I registered for tennis shoes and Converse and backpacks and winter coats for the homeless kids at our school,” she said in the same interview.
The donations poured in from all over the nation—even from non-invited guests. “It’s not me, it’s pure kindness of strangers,” the bride said. “This is exactly what we wanted. My hope is that we get to not only have this amazing wedding and start our lives together but that we are able to put some warmth on all of those kids.”
To explore charitable options for your wedding registry, visit The Knot Gifts Back.
