Sub for Santa: Debt puts strain on family’s finances and ability to afford Christmas presents

Courtesy United Way of Utah County
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.
In some cases, debt collectors are understanding about someone’s ability to honor a financial obligation, especially during the holidays.
Unfortunately, for Sofia and Sheldon, this is not the case.
Sofia said she and her partner have run into an issue with lingering financial commitments that have resulted in circumstances beyond their control.
“I’m working part time and my checks are getting garnished,” Sofia wrote in their Sub for Santa application.
Her partner who works full time also is having his wages garnished and is working to satisfy other obligations.
The couple has no additional money to purchase gifts for their two boys, but they are still hoping St. Nick somehow makes it down their chimney.
“I want my boys to have an amazing Christmas. I have a 10-year-old stepson and an almost 1-year-old,” Sofia said.
But both boys are on the verge of the exact opposite happening on Christmas morning.
That’s where the United Way of Utah County’s Sub for Santa program comes in.
The organization believes no child should be left out in what is supposed to be a day filled with joy and happiness. It’s a service the nonprofit has been able to provide for more than four decades to families across Utah County.
Sofia and Sheldon say the boys are in need of shirts, pants, jackets, underwear and socks.
Their oldest likes Spider-Man and Pokemon books. He’s also wanting Beyblade toys and a Nerf gun.
Their toddler, they say, seems to like Mickey Mouse, Dr. Suess and Cocomelon.
The couple is grateful that a Sub for Santa sponsor has been assigned to help make these Christmas wishes come true.
As of Saturday, all families in need have been matched. If you’d still like to help the Sub for Santa program, you can sign-up as a standby sponsor to step in if any last-minute needs arise.