With Christmas just over a week away, families across Utah Valley and the world are making holiday preparations. Many are dashing out to the stores to pick up last-minute gifts or working at home to either deck the halls or clean the house in anticipation of distant relatives stopping by.

While most of us are able to celebrate our bounty and share it with our friends and family, some families have been beset with difficulties and find it hard to make the holidays special for their children. Other people, such as the elderly or the disabled, may not always be on a list to receive a gift.

That’s where the long-running Sub for Santa campaign comes in. For over 35 years, the United Way of Utah County has been matching families in need with generous members of the community willing to help make Christmases be bright.

Last year, community sponsors helped over 5,100 children in 1,400 families, according to the United Way.

The Daily Herald is happy to help out, by sharing the stories of some of the families who have acknowledged that they need a little help to provide some holiday magic to their young ones. Although the names have been changed, the stories often contain important details that underscore the difficult choices that these families are forced to make.

Some families have breadwinners suddenly finding themselves working part-time or face other employment concerns. Others confront unexpected bills or changes in their living situation that force families to choose between keeping a roof over their heads or scraping to provide presents for their children. Still others are beset by medical bills that threaten to overwhelm their finances.

There’s one element to these families’ stories that is practically universal — they want to be able to help make their children’s holidays as special as possible even though there may not be the resources available to make it happen.

Based on the wishlists that we’ve published, most of these children’s requests are modest and similar to what any young child may want. Items include amusements, like dolls and toys; resources to help children grow, such as books; and essentials like clothing.

If you would like to help pitch in and ensure that there is some joy for these children on Christmas Day, call the hotline at (801) 356-6300 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or visit http://subforsanta.org.

Many families that participate in the Sub for Santa program are grateful for the help and want to pass it on. Many indicate that they want to give back when they can.

As Dec. 25 nears, it’s easy to feel the Christmas spirit and want to keep it in our hearts year-round. Unfortunately, this enthusiasm sometimes fades while some families need help beyond the holidays.

Seeing a need, the United Way is expanding its holiday program and launching Sub for Santa+, where people can give financial gifts to provide needed resources to families throughout the year.

This program goes beyond holiday gifts and looks at connecting families with things to help bolster childhood development, build stable households and keep them on their feet. Contributions may help pave the way for adequate medical care, nutritious food and safe housing.

These are just some of the ways that Utah Valley residents can help their neighbors this holiday season and beyond. Given the strong spirit of volunteerism that envelops our communities, we know there are dozens of programs that could benefit from continued support.

If you’re already helping out, we sincerely appreciate you pitching in. If you’re thinking about contributing, we hope that you will stand up and pledge your support.

Christmas means many things to many people, including us. One element that shines as brightly as the brightest house decked out with holiday lights is the occasion to help spread charity and goodwill to all. We hope you will join us in helping those in need this holiday season.