Deseret News Sub for Santa 2000 is in full swing, but there's one little problem. The phones still aren't exactly ringing off the hook.
Linda Woodard, Deseret News Sub for Santa coordinator, is concerned that people may feel that Christmas is still a long way off — even with fewer than three weeks remaining — and they have time to think later about charitable giving.
The Deseret News Sub for Santa program is part of the Community Christmas Council for Salt Lake County, consisting of Deseret News Sub for Santa, the Salvation Army/KUTV 2 News Angel Tree, Catholic Community Services Gift of the Drummer and U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots.
Several years ago, the programs combined efforts to avoid duplication of recipients and maximize resources.
Deseret News Sub for Santa has families with two, three, four, five and more children. All live in Salt Lake County. Organizers suggest spending $50 to $75 per child. "Anyone from individual families, groups of families, wards, youth groups, businesses and charitable organizations should consider adopting one or more families as soon as possible," said Woodard.
To adopt a family or get more information about Deseret News Sub for Santa, call 236-6060.
Also, Spanish-speaking volunteers are urgently needed at the Salt Lake Community Christmas Council's intake center just south of the Cottonwood Mall. Camille Scripp, program coordinator from the Salvation Army, said bilingual volunteers are needed to answer phones, set appointments, interview and pre-screen families for all council programs over the next few weeks. "We'll work out any kind of shift arrangement that's needed," said Scripp. To volunteer with the Christmas coordinating council, call Scripp at 424-2384.