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SALT LAKE CITY — The holiday season is about giving, and there are plenty of Utahns in need. Here are a few ways you can help make the holidays special for our neighbors in need.
UAID's Holiday Gift Box
The Holiday Gift Box charity is put on by the Utah Association for Intellectual Disabilities (UAID). Each ornament that decorates the agency's offices represents an individual with intellectual disabilities who needs to be "adopted" for gifts this year. As of Thursday, there were 900 ornaments still unclaimed.
UAID plays Santa to people with intellectual disabilities every year.
"That group of people that seems to fall through the cracks, UAID has picked up those people," said Neil Allred with North Eastern Services, an organization that also helps people with mental and intellectual disabilities.
Because their intellectual age is not that of an adult, these people see Christmas through a child's eyes.
"They get very excited at Christmas, and they are waiting for Santa to come see them," Allred said.
Donating to UAID helps keep the Christmas dream alive and gives fellow Utahns the basics — they often ask for sweats, underwear and hygiene kits.
"You're really providing the only Christmas many of these people will have," said Kathy Scott, UAID co-founder.
If you'd like to help, you can visit UAID's Salt Lake City facility, 1453 S. Major St., pick up an ornament, and go shopping. You can also donate money, and UAID staff will do the shopping for you.
Help a veteran
At the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, at 500 Foothill Drive in Salt Lake City, you can help a veteran with a donation or give to Sub for Santa for veterans' kids in need.
"It's just different things that the veterans need, and the social workers let us know they need and the community helps us out," said Belinda Karabastos, chief of volunteer services at the VA.
For more information on donating money or volunteering at the VA, visit www.saltlakecity.va.gov/giving.
Winter Donation Drive for refugee children
The Asian Association of Utah is gathering winter coats, jackets, socks and toys for refugee children ages 6 to 17. The Winter Donation Drive started this week and ends Friday. Items, which must be in good condition, can be dropped off at 155 S. 300 West in Salt Lake City.
For more ways to donate this holiday season, check out the United Way of Salt Lake's holiday volunteer list.
