Editors note: According to United Way of Utah County, 79 Santa’s helpers are still needed before Dec. 23.

A mother in Spanish Fork needs help providing Christmas gifts for her three children as she navigates her first holiday season as a single mom.

Times have been tough for Melody and her children since her divorce earlier this year. Melody received full custody of her kids, and she has struggled during this transition to find the balance between keeping up with her schoolwork and being the sole caregiver for her children.

Melody is not currently employed, but she is attending school in the hope of making a better life for her family. She has been navigating her own mental health issues, as well as caring for her oldest son who has been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and is on the autism spectrum.

The oldest son, age 6, needs size 6 sweatshirts, jackets, and long-sleeved shirts. His favorite color is orange, and he enjoys reading books from the “Pete the Cat” series, the “Froggy” series, and the “I Can Read!” series. He would be happy to receive Play-Doh or sensory toys.

The youngest son, almost 5, needs size 9 snow boots and socks. His favorite color is blue, and he also enjoys books from the “Froggy” series, as well as books by Dr. Seuss or ones about dinosaurs and trucks. He would be happy to receive monster trucks or dinosaur toys.

The only daughter, age 2 ½, needs size 6 socks and size 2T tops and onesies. Her favorite colors are pink and purple, and she enjoys reading books about unicorns and princesses, as well as books by Dr. Suess. She would be happy to receive twin bed sheets with unicorns on them, as well as princess toys.

Melody said her children would be so excited to open up gifts on Christmas morning, as they’ve already been talking about Christmas and Santa Claus.

“They are just old enough to realize about Christmas,” Melody said. “They have been sending Santa letters and sending him broken toys to fix. They are looking forward to opening presents.”

This is Melody’s first year using the Sub for Santa program, and she said her experience has been very positive so far. She is grateful that the program will help her to provide a fun Christmas for her children.

“I grew up in Spanish Fork and that’s where we are living now,” Melody said. “It’s realizing how generous this community really is.”

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