Marcus and Stacie and their two children are hoping for a happy holiday this Christmas. But the past year has been a very difficult one for the family, and the parents were hoping that donors with the Sub for Santa program would be able to give them a hand while they are in the process of getting back on their feet — a dream come true now that they’ve been matched with a sponsor.

During 2024, Marcus began struggling with his mental health. These severe mental health concerns resulted in unexpected medical bills, therapy bills and loss of income due to time taken off of work. The result of all of this is that bills have been unable to be paid.

“Watching my husband and my kids’ dad go through the worst battle I have seen was unbelievably hard on my kids, as he is the one who is home with them so Mom could work,” Stacie wrote in her Sub for Santa application. “He was the one who was always fun and loving, but this illness made it impossible.”

Marcus is now doing better and the family is trying to get back on their feet, but that will take a lot of time. “I’m months behind on my mortgage, car payments and power bills, and unfortunately, I must choose those over presents,” Stacie wrote. “But my kids deserve to be celebrated, to know how good they are and how proud I am of them. I would like them to have something, anything. It would mean so much to them and my husband to see them happy and thriving.”

The couple’s two children are ages 7 and 2 and are both in need of new clothing items. They also would like to get some new books and toys for Christmas.

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.