Editor’s note: All United Way’s Sub for Santa participants’ names have been changed. To help a family like this one, visit https://subforsanta.org or text or call the Sub for Santa hotline at 801-356-6300.

While the holiday season is, for many, a time of happiness and great memories, it also can be a time of stress and sadness, especially when parents are unable to provide gifts for their children. That is what local mother Lucy and her family are feeling right now. Their memories from a past Christmas are painful and they are hoping that this time will be a new beginning of a happy and less-stressful holiday.

Last year around this time, the small family experienced an apartment fire and lost everything they owned. “Last Christmas was one of the saddest Christmases ever,” Lucy said.

Because of last year’s fire, the young family has been having a difficult time catching up with the many bills and expenses that they have. Buying extra things for Christmas is not part of their budget, according to Lucy, who said that they do not have enough money to buy a tree or gifts. Because of this, they are feeling very little Christmas spirit, she said.

The family has one 2-year-old daughter, Allie. The Sub for Santa who has been matched with this family will be able to help Allie to have a new coat, shoes and pants. Allie loves ABC, number, and touch and feel books. She would love to have new learning toys and a scooter or tricycle.

“Receiving help with Christmas assistance will help our family tremendously in beginning to create Christmas memories for our daughter,” Lucy said. “This year, I pray it will be different and any assistance we receive will be meaningful in creating memories.”