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A Publication of United Way of Salt Lake |
Nov. 2, 2007
For most of us, the anticipation of spending time with friends and family, exchanging gifts, and celebrating the holiday season brings inner warmth that defies the cold winter weather and comforts the soul. There are, however, many people who cannot find such comfort in the holidays, as they face the reality of not being able to provide for their basic needs, let alone fulfill the hopes of their children for that special gift.
Poverty manifests itself in many ways, including hunger, lack of affordable housing, and lack of affordable health insurance. All of these problems make life difficult for Utah’s low-income population, especially during the holidays. More than 323,180 Utahns live in “official” poverty, on incomes below $20,650 per year for a family of four, according to the Federal Poverty Level. Another 509,000 Utahns are struggling in “working poverty” with incomes that are below $41,300 per year for a family of four.
Consequently, UWSL has made a commitment to support the efforts of local holiday assistance programs from the Salvation Army, which bring cheer to many families in need.
UWSL will not offer an overflow Sub for Santa program this year. The Salvation Army has become the centralized coordinator for the holiday gift assistance programs open to the general public. This will be more efficient for the recipients and donors, with a centralized intake and distribution center.
It is important to communicate to the public that the deadline for applications needing assistance is Nov. 17.
I extend my personal invitation to you to contribute to this worthwhile cause. Please read our Impact Matters article for more information on this coordinated effort and how you can make an impact through the Sub for Santa program.
Deborah S. Bayle
President and CEO
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COMMUNITY MATTERS |
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For most of us, the anticipation of spending time with friends and family, exchanging gifts, and celebrating the holiday season brings inner warmth that defies the cold winter weather and comforts the soul. There are, however, many people who cannot find such comfort in the holidays, as they face the reality of not being able to provide for their basic needs, let alone fulfill the hopes of their children for that special gift.
Poverty manifests itself in many ways, including hunger, lack of affordable housing, and lack of affordable health insurance. All of these problems make life difficult for Utah’s low-income population, especially during the holidays. More than 323,180 Utahns live in “official” poverty, on incomes below $20,650 per year for a family of four, according to the Federal Poverty Level. Another 509,000 Utahns are struggling in “working poverty” with incomes that are below $41,300 per year for a family of four.
Consequently, UWSL has made a commitment to support the efforts of local holiday assistance programs from the Salvation Army, which bring cheer to many families in need.
UWSL will not offer an overflow Sub for Santa program this year. The Salvation Army has become the centralized coordinator for the holiday gift assistance programs open to the general public. This will be more efficient for the recipients and donors, with a centralized intake and distribution center.
It is important to communicate to the public that the deadline for applications needing assistance is Nov. 17.
I extend my personal invitation to you to contribute to this worthwhile cause. Please read our Impact Matters article for more information on this coordinated effort and how you can make an impact through the Sub for Santa program.
Deborah S. Bayle
President and CEO