Editor’s Note: This is one of many stories on families needing help this Christmas. As of Tuesday afternoon, The United Way of Utah County Sub for Santa program has 262 families still needing help. So far this holiday season they have helped 1,900 families — 410 more than at this date last year.

Roxanne says her three children have already decided that Christmas isn’t going to happen, but they are accepting the fact graciously.

“I am very fortunate in that my kids are such compassionate and understanding youngsters, not at all worried about the material things of this generation defining them. They make me so unbelievably proud,” Roxanne said. “In my heart I feel they do deserve a Christmas like the ones we see in movies and hope to have in the future when times aren’t as difficult as they’ve been now.”

Roxanne’s youngest daughter has cerebral palsy and autism, and has undergone multiple procedures. As a result, she spent nine months of this last year as an inpatient at Primary Children’s Hospital. Despite also having contracted COVID-19 while in post-op, she is a symbol of resilience and the definition of what it means to be a survivor.

“Making Christmas happen for them would be amazing and give them a chance to see themselves through my eyes, because all I want is to see their excited faces seeing gifts with each one of their names waiting for them on Christmas morning,” Roxanne said.

The family is currently surviving on food stamps and rent relief through public housing. The two oldest children have jobs and travel on their bikes everywhere. The family doesn’t have a computer so they do their homework at the library.

A Santa’s helper this Christmas would not only bring joy to the children, but put a smile on Roxanne’s face as well.

All three children need socks, hoodies and beanies to keep warm.

The oldest is a female, age 17. Her pant size is 11, shirt size M and shoe size is and 8. She loves pink and white. For books she would like “It Starts With Us,” and “Such a Pretty Girl.” She would also like Betty Boop items and items about, and from, Harry Potter.

The middle child is 16-year-old male and wears a pant size 34, shirt size M and shoe size 8. He likes light blue and black. For books he would like “The Butcher & The Wren,” and Harry Potter books. For entertainment items he would like anything from the Pittsburgh Steelers and boxing.

The youngest child is 13 and wears pants size 11, shirt size M and shoe size 2. Red is her favorite color. She would like Winnie the Pooh and Disney books. To play with, she would like a My Little Pony.

All names of Sub for Santa participants have been changed. To help a family like this one, call the Sub for Santa hotline at (801) 356-6300 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or visit https://subforsanta.org.

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