Building Financially Self-Sufficient Families

People Making a Difference

Sub for Santa receiver becomes the giver

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.”

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Serves as Committee Chairman

Jonathan Mecham has been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Utah County for the last two years. He serves as the chairman of the human resources committee and spends time volunteering at construction projects. Mecham is working with others on his committee to improve the way they utilize volunteer efforts.

“It is our main goal to be better at using what the community is generously giving,” Mecham said. “We are working on developing better ways to track volunteers and more effectively use the help that people are so willing to give.”

In order to better coordinate the volunteers, Mecham’s committee organized a volunteer appreciation dinner. The dinner included live entertainment and a short program.

“The dinner was a small way to let the volunteers know that their service is greatly appreciated,” Mecham said.

Habitat for Humanity of Utah County recently joined a nationwide effort to blitz-build 400 Habitat homes that will house more than 1,000 people across the nation. The organization partnered with Utah Valley Home Builders’ Association and the Rehabilitation through Affordable Home Construction program of Utah Correctional Industries to complete a four-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot home.

“It is very rewarding to see families being able to get into a home,” Mecham said. “It’s amazing how much of a difference it can make in someone’s life. It provides a stable atmosphere in the family and they begin to have feelings of self-sufficiency.”

Habitat for Humanity of Utah County is always looking for more volunteers. Currently the organization is in need of a graphic designer and regular members for all its committees, its board of directors and other crucial positions.

“You do not need to have any experience to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity,” Mecham said. “There are always people who can train you and tasks for individuals at all levels of experience. Anyone can come out and help.”

For more information on becoming a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Utah County, call 344-8527 or visit its Web site at www.hfhuc.org. For information on other volunteer opportunities contact United Way of Utah County.