Deborah Sweet and her husband Jeff know what it is like to worry about being unable to provide a Christmas for their children. When they suffered hard times, the Sweets were still able to give their children Christmas with the help of the United Way of Utah County Sub for Santa program. Now that times are better, the Sweets are repaying that kindness by donating to the same program.

The Sweets particularly want to help families with medical problems because one of their children suffers from a medical condition.

“That’s why we needed help in the past,” Deborah said. “There are parents whose children suffer with chronic illnesses. They are not just turning around and saying ‘Please help me, now here is the list.’ They are really in need. I want to help those who cannot help themselves, especially when it comes down to medical conditions like that.”

The Sweets started giving during Christmas three years ago through Angel Tree. They decided to provide these children with gifts after hearing a song on the radio.

“Actually it was through Jimmy Wayne’s song called ‘Paper Angels,’” Deborah said. “My children love that song. Ever since that song, my two youngest have been more into wanting to buy for others. They feel they get more than other children who are less fortunate.” 

This year alone, the Sweets are helping three different families through Sub for Santa and seven more children from the Angel Tree.

“Of the three families we are helping, two of those families don’t speak English,” Deborah said. “The other is a single mom with two children, so I was able to call her and find out more things about what her children like. They both like Barbie and Mary-Kate and Ashley.”

Deborah says she will always remember when Sub for Santa helped her. She wants to show her gratitude by providing a Christmas for those who are in need.

“In the past we needed help ourselves. Luckily we don’t need that now and we are able to help others,” she said. “I know that they were there for me, and I’m grateful that now I am there for them.”