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An early childhood education training class.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A student receives one-on-one tutoring at a summer learning class.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A volunteer reads to kids.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A volunteer helps a community member file their taxes.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. During this season, it’s easy to feel close to others in our community. From neighborhood parties to family gathering and holiday festivals — there are so many memorable ways to spend time together during this month.

However, I think my favorite way to spend time with our community members during this season is through service.

Programs like Sub for Santa, which has been making a difference in our community for more than 30 years, provide a wonderful opportunity for us to support local families. Each year, selfless volunteers and donors spend time helping families apply for the program, purchasing thoughtful and needed gifts for children, and delivering those gifts to the homes of the recipients.

These experiences have the power to change lives not only for the recipients but for the volunteers as well. I have seen so many people build relationships through serving together. Those types of bonds are essential for our community, and they help us find greater joy in our service. It has been inspiring to see how many people want to help and give back during this season. We truly live in a great community.

As wonderful as our experiences serving during the holidays can be, imagine how much meaning we could add to our lives by giving gifts that last longer and have even greater impact. Imagine how many more families we could support not just at Christmastime but throughout the spring and summer. Imagine how many children could receive not just books wrapped under the tree but increased literacy support for the rest of the year. Imagine how much stronger such gifts could make our relationships, our neighborhoods and our community.

Luckily, there is an easy way to make sure that your giving this holiday season can last far beyond the new year. Sub for Santa Plus is a companion program to Sub for Santa that United Way of Utah County started several years ago. The purpose of Sub for Santa Plus is to ensure that families who need help can access essential resources all through the year, not just during Christmas.

Many families who receive help through Sub for Santa also need help in January, February and the rest of the year. It may be true, as Charles Dickens said in the classic “A Christmas Carol,” that Christmas is a time “when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices,” but that doesn’t mean the needs of others end on Dec. 31. Sub for Santa Plus is a way to ensure that the abundance we share at this time can provide long-term impact for our community.

Donors to Sub for Santa Plus have the opportunity to select the type of resources they want their gift to provide. From food assistance to mental health therapy, from parenting classes to housing and utility help, there are so many ways to support individuals and families in our community who need it.

For those who are interested in making an even greater impact, Sub for Santa Plus also allows donors to give up to a year of support for a child or a family of four. Your gift, given during this most generous time of year, can literally support someone else for the rest of the year. Imagine how bright your holidays will feel as you know your gift has made life easier for a neighbor.

During every Christmas season, I am humbled and inspired to witness the generosity of our community. The way we come together at this time to serve others and to strengthen our relationships is remarkable. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference. Thank you for giving of your own resources to make sure others can breathe easier this year. Thank you for building our community. Together, we can have a most memorable holiday season.

To learn more about Sub for Santa Plus and how to get involved, visit http://uwayuc.org/plus.