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A Paratransit & Utah Valley Rides driver.

By Bridget Chase

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Volunteers are showndelivering presents for Sub for Santa.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A volunteer assists a community member with their taxes as part of the VITA program.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A volunteer is shown teaching a student in a Digital Literacy class.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County

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As we start the new year, I’ve been reflecting on all that our community has accomplished this past year. From VITA to Day of Caring to Sub for Santa and all our many community center programs and events, I have witnessed people coming together again and again to serve each other and strengthen our amazing community.

Impact made possible by volunteers

When so many people work together and donate their time and resources, incredible things can happen. Our recent Sub for Santa season was a perfect example of that. Sub for Santa served 2,620 families, including 7,083 children and an additional 495 Golden Angels. Thanks to an incredible 1,093 volunteer sponsors and 641 Giving/Angel tree sponsors as well as hundreds of volunteers working behind the scenes, families were able to get the help they needed. Each child received three to five books, school clothes and a couple of games or toys. And, just as importantly, families also learned about other supports that will help them the whole year round.

Of course, Sub for Santa is just one of many programs where we’ve seen the power of community coming together this year. In 2025, our other programs also saw a lot of success thanks to volunteering and community effort.

For example, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program volunteers were able to help families in the community receive a total of $4.5 million in tax refunds. Our Welcome Baby program served 2,624 parents and children at our Welcome Baby Playgroups and more than 630 parents at our Ready to Learn classes and workshops. Help Me Grow provided 2,346 screenings for parents to track their child’s general development.

This past year in the Digital Literacy program, we had 108 program graduates and 97 computers distributed. Our amazing Digital Literacy volunteers completed over 205 volunteer hours both teaching and testing computers during our fall semester alone. Our Utah Valley Rides program is also supported by amazing volunteers. Our 12 volunteer drivers provided 4,809 rides to seniors and individuals with disabilities, driving a total of 28,537 miles and serving 140 unique riders. Without these dedicated volunteer drivers, this program would not be possible.

More than service

While I was amazed by the material support and essential resources United Way was able to provide and the incredible efforts of our volunteers this last year, what inspired me even more were the incredible connections volunteers made with each other and the people they were serving. Let me share a few examples.

One of our Sub for Santa open house volunteers who had lived in Peru had the opportunity to serve a family that was originally from Peru. When they made that connection, the volunteer learned that this family had a restaurant there that they unfortunately had to leave behind and that they are planning to open one locally this year. The family invited the volunteer to attend the opening, creating a connection that lasts beyond Sub for Santa season.

Another volunteer helped with Sub for Santa deliveries for the first time this year. He enjoyed the experience of meeting the families so much that he came back to help deliver presents for another three nights.

I was also touched by a thank you note that a volunteer received from a family they served: “Thank you for being so generous and kind this year in helping our little family have a great Christmas during a time of need. We feel so blessed that there are people like you in our community. Thank you for making us feel seen and loved! Forever grateful.”

John Chase, our mobility manager, shared with me how volunteering for Utah Valley Rides has impacted the drivers themselves: One long-time driver joined nearly at the program’s beginning and later invited a friend who had recently lost his wife. Driving gave him purpose, connection and the joy of meeting new people. Another volunteer found Utah Valley Rides while her husband was using a wheelchair and has continued to serve even after his passing. One volunteer on a service mission, previously confined to office work, found that mid-week driving kept him active and engaged. Another couple volunteers together, finding joy in serving side by side.

When we take the opportunity to serve and give back to our communities, something remarkable happens: service doesn’t just help others, it changes us and brings much needed connection into our lives and the lives of those we serve.

Finding your place to serve

Making connections is one of the most important ways we can make a lasting impact and improve our community. When you build relationships with your neighbors and the people around you, the change you make extends far beyond the material help you provide.

At United Way, there are many programs that could use your support and provide a great way to make these meaningful connections in our amazing community. Whether that’s through volunteering with VITA, serving at our community centers or becoming a volunteer driver, there’s a place for you to get involved.

We are so grateful to our amazing community and all the work you have done to care for each other. As we start this new year, I hope we can carry forward the spirit of service that makes our community so special. Let’s find even more ways to connect through volunteerism and build the relationships that make Utah County such a wonderful place to live.

To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit unitedwayuc.org.

Bill Hulterstrom is the president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.