Editor’s note: All names of United Way’s 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.

Over the years, Beth and her family have experienced many medical issues, leading to bills accumulating.

Many of her children were born premature, causing health issues and extensive surgeries throughout their lives. Due to difficult pregnancies, Beth has also experienced extensive health issues.

Her youngest child, who is only 7 months old, has had three surgeries already and requires frequent doctor visits. She and her husband, who works at a hospital, have five children total.

Beth said the bills have begun piling up, they’ve stopped going out and having birthday parties, and she’s gone as far as to skip meals for her husband and children.

While applying for the Sub for Santa program, Beth said she thought maybe her children could have a Christmas this year.

“This will help my kids have a Christmas,” she said. “But it also helps parents. Happy tears have happened just thinking that my kids might get shoes. I feel relieved.”

This year, Beth was looking for new clothes and shoes for her children, as well as toys like Pokémon and Play-Doh.

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