Sub for Santa: Saving Christmas one family at a time

Every year, thousands of families in the Utah County area are forced to go without a Christmas when their budgets get too tight.

The Sub for Santa program strives to lower this number by helping make it possible for other people to sponsor a family in need over the holidays, providing them with a Christmas that they would not otherwise get.

In this same spirit, the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center is organizing a special Sub for Santa where students and faculty can join together and help their fellow classmates and coworkers so they don’t have to go without this Christmas season.

“We don’t want anybody left without presents,” said SuHyen Um-Perez, who is heading this effort. “Everybody deserves to be happy over the holidays.”

In order to qualify, the applicant must be taking at least six credit hours. They must also have children who are between the ages of 18 months and 16 years and cannot exceed the five-year limit that has been placed on this service.

If someone needs help and meets these qualifications, an application must be filled out by Nov. 12. All applications will be evaluated by the United Way of Utah County to ensure that the applicant is truly in need and that application duplicates do not happen. Those who have been selected will be notified by Nov. 23.

With the Sub for Santa program, there is not an option for donating just one toy. Donors are encouraged to furnish an entire Christmas for the family. Noting that this can be a challenge for college students, they are encouraged to join forces with other students. A group can provide more than a single student.

Participants should plan on spending anywhere from $50 to $100 per child. The Sub for Santa program asks that every child be provided with two new articles of clothing, two new toys and a book. More elaborate Christmases aren’t encouraged because it makes it harder for the family to duplicate in following years.

Whether one receives the help or donates the gifts, this program will benefit all who participate. For more information on either applying or sponsoring, visit the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in LC 205.