A difficult year with loss of loved ones, a car accident and financial difficulties are making this Christmas a stressful one for Maren and Oscar. They want to be able to provide some gifts for their daughter, but due to the many struggles they have recently experienced, they’ve been afraid they wouldn’t be able to without help from their sponsors with Sub for Santa.

“This last year has been super hard. We lost both our parents, our daughter’s grandpa and grandma,” Maren wrote in her Sub for Santa application. Additionally, Oscar recently was involved in an accident and the family’s truck was totaled. Then, their only vehicle was stolen.

“We have sold almost everything we own just to be able to pay rent. We’ve fallen behind and are trying to catch up on bills, but my husband is unable to work and I’m a full-time student and was doing homeschool for our daughter,” Maren wrote.

Maren said they have taught their daughter the true meaning of Christmas and she is very giving, but they do not want her to go without gifts this Christmas. They’re hoping to make memories together and enjoy each other during the season.

8-year-old Katie needs new snow boots, pants, shirts and socks. She would like gifts of dolls, Mo Willems books and Hatchimals. “She has been through so much this last couple of months with moving and losing her grandparents. We just want to make memories together and enjoy each other,” Maren wrote. “We would be so grateful if someone would help give our daughter a Christmas like she deserves.”

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.