Editor’s Note: This is one of many stories on families needing help this Christmas. As of Monday afternoon, the United Way of Utah County Sub for Santa program had 71 families still needing help. So far this holiday season, they have helped 1,900 families — 410 more than at this date last year.

Single mom Mandy says she has had the hardest year of her life. Most importantly, it’s the first year she hasn’t had money to get her children Christmas gifts.

“We had to move out of our home a year ago because our landlord did not renew the lease and haven’t been able to find a home due to the increase of rent or not being chosen for the rental,” Mandy said. “We were living in a travel trailer at the KOA in Springville for the last few months, but due to unseen circumstances we had to move out of it because of water damage and black mold in the floor. It became a health issue, we were all getting sick.”

“The last few weeks, we’ve been staying in a hotel and that’s where all my money has gone too — to keep us from sleeping in my car because it’s cold,” she added.

Mandy has a job but says she doesn’t get enough hours so she has been looking for full-time work. She says it looks promising but would have to wait for two weeks for a paycheck, which takes them past Christmas and the new year.

“Christmas is also my daughter’s 14th birthday and my kids are good because they know the situation, but I still struggle with feeling like a failure as a mom. I’m doing my best to stay positive and keep moving forward,” Mandy said.

Mandy’s oldest child is male and 17 years old. He needs a winter jacket, pants and shirts. He wears a pant size 34 and shirt size XL. His shoe size is a 12 and his favorite color is black. What would help and make him happy are gift cards to McDonalds and Walmart.

Mandy’s youngest is female and turning 14 on Christmas. She needs sweatshirts, shirts and pants. Her pant size is S and her shirt size is M. Her shoe size is 6.5 and her favorite color is black. She would also like gift cards to Walmart and Aeropostale.

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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