Individuals and groups are still needed to provide gifts for less-fortunate children through the Sub-for-Santa program, which matches families in need with volunteers looking to help others for Christmas.
The program is in desperate need of sponsors who are willing to wait until a few days before Christmas to get the name of the family they will help, said Lile Lavaki, Sub-for-Santa coordinator. "We usually have 30 to 50 families call just a few days before Christmas saying how much they want their children to receive a few presents. Many of these parents have waited until the last minute to call Sub-for-Santa because they thought they could figure out a way to purchase Christmas gifts on their own."To apply for Sub-for-Santa assistance, call 226-8282 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Individuals or groups who want to sponsor a family should call the Sub-for-Santa sponsor hotline at 226-1014.