Utah community rallies around Chinese students whose bus was burglarized


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STANSBURY PARK — A group of Chinese students were on the trip of a lifetime when they had thousands of dollars stolen during a visit to 'This is the Place' State Park.

Like many are prone to do, a group of Utahns are trying to make things right.

About 60 exchange students from Sichuan, China were on a summer vacation for two weeks in the Beehive State, the type of experience many of the students had never done before.

The Utah stop was part of a larger trip across America, and an educational journey that began three weeks ago. But on their way back from 'This is the Place' State Park, they noticed someone had broken into their tour bus.

Thieves went through every bag and backpack, and took cash and credit cards from seven students. The amount of money lost was in the thousands.

"I don't want them to have a bad taste for this wonderful place," said Julie Michaelis, a host mother for two of the students.

Knowing the police probably wouldn't be able to do much, the community of local host families stepped in.

"It's been amazing seeing the outpouring of generosity," Michaelis said.

They've collected donations to give to the students who lost money as they leave Utah, hoping these teenagers will look back and remember the Beehive State in a positive light.

The Stansbury Park community will hold a bake sale to aid the Chinese students on Saturday at 10 a.m. at The Dance Center, 500 E. Stansbury Village Blvd.

"I'm sure that any community would do the same if they had an opportunity," Michaelis added. "I'm glad that we get to be that community."

Those wishing to help the Chinese students are asked to contact Emily Jensen via email at emilyajensen@msn.com.

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