Sub for Santa: Christmas looks bleak after rent increase puts family’s finances on a tight budget
Courtesy United Way of Utah County
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 trying to keep up with rent, utilities, grocery prices and fuel each month, it may not take long before a person’s funds are depleted.
And it doesn’t help being the only parent in the home who’s responsible for keeping finances afloat.
This is the challenge Sarah is currently faced with. She’s a single mom with two teenagers to care for.
Sarah says in the past year, their rent has increased by $400 each month, leaving her to make some difficult choices each month regarding what purchases to prioritize versus those the family will have to go without.
“This has made being a single mom very difficult. I struggle putting food on the table and paying bills,” Sarah said.
And with Christmas just days away, she worries about the ability to put presents under the tree for her children to wake up to on that festive holiday morning.
“I hate the crushing feeling of looking at my kids and knowing I can’t provide Christmas for them,” she said.
Sarah says her 16-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter are both in need of winter coats and boots.
Her son also loves Lego sets as well as model cars. Sarah’s daughter is an aspiring artist and would love some books with instructions on drawing.
With those gift ideas in mind, she’s turned to the United Way of Utah County for help.
The organization’s Sub for Santa program aids families in making sure no child has to feel the sadness of not opening gifts on Christmas.
According to the organization, it reportedly is seeing a record number of families and individuals requesting help this holiday season, and it is in dire need of donations from community members with the means to help.
As of Friday afternoon, less than two weeks away from Christmas, the United Way of Utah County said there were still more than 800 families in need of Sub for Santa sponsors.
“Together, we can ensure no child wakes up without the magic of the season,” the organization said on social media.
United Way of Utah County invites all to get involved this holiday season. If you would like to be part of this annual initiative and help bring the Christmas spirit to those in need, visit subforsanta.org.
