But this isn’t just another Christmas here at United Way of Utah County; the reason this year is so special is that it is our 40th year of Sub for Santa. Since 1983, when the local program was moved from the Division of Family Services to United Way of Utah County, we have helped lighten the load of so many community members who have struggled during this time of year.

When I think about the tens of thousands of families who have benefited from this program over the past four decades, I can’t help but also think of the tens of thousands of generous donors and volunteers who make this impact possible. I have seen so many generous gifts from people and organizations who give freely of their abundance. I have also seen countless gifts given from people who themselves may not have as many financial resources, but who have just as generous spirits. All of these donations, given in the spirit of helpfulness and unselfishness, have made a difference.

Over the years, I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen volunteers and donors come in who themselves received assistance from Sub for Santa in the past. They know firsthand how much the gifts given at Christmastime mean to families who just need a little extra support to make it through challenging years or difficult circumstances. It is so inspiring to see how memories of help received even years earlier continue to motivate people to do what they can to give back. Sometimes, the knowledge that other people in the community see and care about them means even more to recipients of Sub for Santa than the gifts themselves.

When these gifts and good cheer are combined with the wonderful local resources that stand ready to help families all year long, Sub for Santa truly can make a long-term impact for local families. In order to make sure that we aren’t just helping kids and their parents on Christmas Day, we provide all applicants for the program with information about and referrals to additional services that can help them meet their basic needs on an ongoing basis. By connecting them to these resources, we can ensure that our impact doesn’t end on December 26th.

Courtesy photo

This ongoing impact is particularly poignant for me this year, since our 40th Sub for Santa season leads directly into the 60th anniversary of United Way of Utah County. In those 60 years, the plea for help in our community has never gone unanswered. I am overwhelmed when I consider how many lives have been changed for the better thanks to this community. And as we continue to learn from you, we have become better equipped to create more significant and longer-lasting impact for children and families.

As we head into these next few months, I invite you to become part of the story of United Way of Utah County. Take some time to consider how you can get involved in supporting local families, whether that is during the holidays or all year long. Please join us as we celebrate these milestones, and look forward with enthusiasm to decades of impact yet to come.

For more information about Sub for Santa, please visit http://subforsanta.org. Additional information about United Way of Utah County can be found at http://unitedwayuc.org.