Natalie had hopes of providing a way for her three daughters to experience the joy of finding presents under the tree on Christmas morning, but recent setbacks are putting the festive holiday in limbo this year.

After a divorce earlier this year, moving into a small place and medical emergencies, the budget for buying gifts is essentially nonexistent.

“Walking through stores and seeing how excited my four-year-old gets seeing Christmas trees and me truly not knowing if we will be able to have one this year is heartbreaking,” Natalie wrote in her Sub for Santa application.

The single mother of three isn’t giving up on her efforts but knows she may need help in producing a holiday miracle.

“I really want to be able to have the magic of Christmas still be here,” Natalie said.

For decades, the United Way of Utah County’s Sub for Santa program has been dedicated to making wishes come true for parents like Natalie and other families who may be experiencing hard times during the holiday season. Their mission is to collect enough donations that make it possible for families to have a Merry Christmas regardless of their financial circumstances.

Natalie says her daughters are in need of numerous clothing items such as rain boots, shirts, jeans, warm socks, shoes and underwear.

The three girls, ages 9, 4, and 1, also are hoping to receive arts and crafts accessories, princess dolls, sensory toys, jewelry and books containing Disney characters.

“I love my kids so much and just want to give them the best possible Christmas I can,” Natalie added.

United Way of Utah County welcomes all are able to get involved this holiday season. If you would like to be part of this annual holiday initiative and help bring the Christmas spirit to those in need, visit subforsanta.org.