Editor’s note: 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.

James and Jenny have three young boys under the age of 5, and because James is a full-time medical student and Jenny stays home to take care of their children, they approached Sub for Santa to help bring Christmas to their boys.

The family currently lives in a small apartment and their boys love to play at the park, collecting bugs and rocks and building forts. Jenny said her biggest challenge right now is trying to raise their “rambunctious” children in their small apartment without a yard.

“I am not exaggerating when I say that if it weren’t for the Sub for Santa program, my kids wouldn’t have Christmas,” Jenny said. “Because they get so few toys throughout the year I know they will take care of and treasure every toy given to them, not just (on) Christmas Day but throughout the coming year. I cannot wait to see their little faces scrunch and light up when they open their presents on Christmas morning.”

Each Christmas, Jenny said they read the story of baby Jesus to their children and they make French toast for breakfast while the boys open up their gifts.

This year, the family was searching for snow boots, coats and socks for the winter. The two older boys love anything Mario or Legos, while the oldest needed some kindergarten-level books.

“My husband and I are doing everything we can to someday be in a situation to give to others the way we have been given to,” Jenny said. “I hope someday my kids will understand that this Christmas wasn’t just from Mom and Dad and Santa, it was from the community.”

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