The Sub for Santa program in Utah County invites volunteers to sponsor families in need of temporary assistance during the holidays. Sponsors will donate modest gifts for the children, while the Sub for Santa program will provide learning opportunities for the parents.
Members of the community may sign up to sponsor children between 18 months and 14 years old, providing two items of new clothing, two new toys and one book for each child. A list of suggested toys and games is provided.
Individuals and organizations interested in sponsoring a family may call Sub for Santa at 356-6300.
Other volunteer opportunities include:
Become a Foster Grandparent. The Foster Grandparent program of Utah County is looking for low-income individuals ages 60 and over to volunteer for 20 or more hours a week as Foster Grandparents to children and youths in the community. Volunteers will donate four hours a day, five days a week. The Foster Grandparent program provide opportunities for seniors to serve as volunteer mentors, tutors and caregivers for children and youth with special needs.
Support children with life-limiting conditions. IHC Pediatric Palliative Care is in need of volunteers who are able to spend time with these special children. Each volunteer will be trained and paired with a family who needs additional support because of the child's condition. Volunteers may also provide caregiver respite, spend time with the siblings of the child or help the parents.
Give your time as a youth mentor. Community Action's mentor program, One to One, is looking for volunteers to help youths in Utah County. Volunteers help by listening to the young people, raising awareness of new possibilities in life, preparing them for college and encouraging their creative interests. One to One encourages both individual time between the mentor and youth, and also sponsors Power Groups that meet on alternating weeks for service projects, leadership skills development and various outdoor activities.
For more information on these and other volunteers opportunities, contact the United Way Volunteer Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 374-8108. Otherwise, contact United Way by e-mail at volunteer@unitedwayuc.org or by searching the database on the United Way of Utah county Web site, www.unitedwayuc.org.