Editor’s note: All United Way’s Sub for Santa participants’ names have been changed. To help a family like this one, visit https://subforsanta.org or text or call the Sub for Santa hotline at 801-356-6300.

Welcoming a new child into the world is a gift for any parent, but complications can make the experience scary.

Jackie gave birth to a baby girl in June, who arrived earlier than expected at just 28 weeks, weighing at just 2 pounds and 14 inches.

The now six-month-old baby is now at home at the family’s basement apartment after doctors kept her in hospital care for a time.

“We are so grateful she is home and healthy but I had to stop working to care full time for her,” Jackie said.

But her newborn isn’t Jackie’s only child.

“I have 5 daughters total so it’s been a real strain financially,” Jackie explained.

As any mother would, Jackie wants to make sure her girls still have a good Christmas despite the current circumstances.

The United Way of Utah County’s Sub for Santa program shares the same sentiment in aiming to provide presents for families dealing with financial challenges among other obstacles.

Jackie has requested a variety of warm clothing items for each of the girls, who range in ages from 13 to 6 months old.

The girls have also asked for things such as make-up, room decor, a watch, pokemon cards and baby dolls, as well as a wide range of fantasy, fiction and comic books.

Their favorite colors are blue, pink, and purple.

With increased demand for assistance this year, according to the United Way of Utah County, the organization is asking for help from community members to help make Christmas wishes come true. Interested donors can visit unitedwayuc.org.