This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Christmas may be coming, but the donations are not, according to several community agencies still in desperate need of help for the holidays.
More than 400 children still need sponsors at the United Way of Utah County's Sub for Santa program, which has seen many families struggle with job loss or pay cuts this year along with high medical bills. Sponsors also are needed for dozens of newly arrived refugee families, while the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and Utah Association for Intellectual Disabilities are among groups seeking volunteers or donations.
"We have never not been able to find sponsors," said Brenna Cox, the United Way communications manager, noting that requests for help were slightly lower compared with last year. "We are just relying on people."
Sponsors are asked to purchase two new items of clothing, two new toys and a new book for each child. As part of the application process, families list gift ideas, attend a workshop on basic budgeting and are connected to other resources such as tax assistance.
"The families do know it's inappropriate to ask for Xboxes and things like that," she said. "We want it to be reasonable."
Utah families are needed to sponsor several dozen recently arrived refugee families this holiday season to help provide basic household needs such as winter hats and gloves, children's toys and hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, diapers and laundry detergent.
Depending on their religion, the families from Iraq, Myanmar, Bhutan and Eritrea may or may not be celebrating the holidays but are all struggling to establish a new life here in Utah. Through the Light One Candle International Rescue Committee donation drive, sponsors will be matched with a refugee family and will be asked to shop for them.
The Salvation Army is no longer taking families in need, but does need volunteers to help distribute gifts next week. About 4,000 children will benefit from the Angel Tree program, so help is needed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday carrying boxes filled with items such as winter clothes, toys and books. A few more unusual requests reflect parents' economic limitations.
"A couple of families asked for beds," said Maj. Richard Greene, the Salt Lake Basin coordinator.
Over the past few weeks, several dozen low-income families have contacted Greene's group, but their requests for help came after registration had closed. However, anyone still in need who has not been served by another organization is invited to come to Building 51 at the Utah State Fairgrounds, 300 N. 1200 West, on Friday to receive any remaining items.
As always, Toys for Tots continues to seek donations for older children between 10 and 15, because most donations are geared toward younger kids. Gifts can be dropped off at any Fresh Market store or brought to Fort Douglas near the University of Utah until Tuesday.
The Utah Association for Intellectual Disabilities continues to seek sponsors for more than 90 disabled individuals throughout the region. Disabled individuals in need are also encouraged to contact the organization. Sponsors are asked to purchase items ranging from pajamas to warm coats, underwear to sheets.
"Some have no income and if they don't get the help from us, they won't have Christmas," said Kassandra Adamson, the program coordinator.
Do you want to give back this season?
United Way • To sponsor a family through the United Way of Utah County's Sub for Santa program, call 801-356-6300 or go to http://www.unitedwayuc.org.
Refugees • To help refugees this holiday season or throughout the year, contact Shawn Strong at 801-883-8457 or e-mail shawn.strong@theirc.org.
Salvation Army • Anyone interested in volunteering with Salvation Army holiday distribution can go to Building 51 at the Utah State Fairgrounds, 300 N. 1200 West, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Go to http://www.salvationarmyutah.org for more information or to make a donation.
Toys for Tots • Donations can be brought to any Fresh Market store or to Fort Douglas until Tuesday. For more information, call 801-583-7318.
Utah Association for Intellectual Disabilities • To donate, go to 1453 S. Major St. or visit http://www.uaidutah.org. Call 801-870-7011 for more information.