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LOGAN — A Christmas for needy children in Cache County may become a thing of the past as donations are the lowest they've been in decades. The Sub For Santa program, based out of Logan realized they do not have the money to operate this year. Now, organizers are scrambling to keep the program alive.
The program has always been run on donated gifts for needy families, but there are also a lot of associated overhead costs. A new accountant for the organization found that they don't have the money for those costs.
This is a program that provides a Christmas for more than 1300 children each year, and right now this Christmas charity might not make it to the holidays.
Several Cache County organizations and businesses have continually donated to the Sub For Santa cause. Aggie Blue Bikes at Utah State University fix up old bikes that are donated to the shop, and they donate them for young children during Christmas.
"It's really just a great way of bringing the community together for a common goal," said Dave Griffin, the shop manager. "Everyone enjoys doing it. It's a great experience."
But after years of reduced donations, Sub For Santa Chair Marian Olson says the money is almost gone.
In all, donations are down about 70 percent, the lowest level in more than 35 years.
"We've had a constant cash flow, until the recession came, and then things started to just dwindle away," Olson said. "And that pile of money we have just got smaller and smaller."
In all, donations are down about 70 percent, the lowest level in more than 35 years. For the first time, they're having to campaign for money against a tight deadline.
"People were donating, and then they maybe cut it in half," Olson said. "Before they sponsored five kids and now they maybe only sponsor one."
But Griffin continues to stay optimistic for the charity work. "It's a great way of getting into the Christmas spirit," he said. "We do have tons of other things we could be doing. They're probably not going to warm our hearts quite as much as being able to give to the kids in the community."
Organizers say they are determined to keep Sub For Santa alive this year, but it will all depend on monetary donations.
To donate funds to the Sub For Santa program, send checks or cash to:
Cache County Sub-For-Santa PO Box 4603 Logan, UT 84323
