Daniela, a single mother of four children, has had a difficult year. But she is gradually getting back on her feet. However, Christmas is coming soon and she will not yet be able to afford gifts for her children. She is hoping to be able to help her children have an enjoyable and happy Christmas. That is why she turned to United Way of Utah County’s Sub for Santa program for help.

In January, Daniela’s grandmother came to live with her and was put on hospice. She passed away in March. That same month, Daniela was let go from a job that she had had for 10 years and did not receive severance pay.

“It took me a while to find a job and that job was awful, so I ended up finding another one,” Daniela said. She is grateful that she recently started at her new job, which is with a local school district. However, she won’t receive her first paycheck until after Christmas. Because of these employment problems, she has fallen behind on bills, including her mortgage. She has had to borrow money for that to avoid going into foreclosure.

Daniela’s four kids are ages 9, 10, 17 and 18. They all need new coats and various other clothing items. The older two girls would enjoy receiving gifts of art supplies, a blow dryer, cat toys and books. The younger two kids – a boy and a girl – would like mystery books, action figures and Nintendo Switch games.

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.