By Rachel Olsen
Seven hundred children in Utah County will be waiting for Santa Claus this year, but it doesn''t look like he''s on his way.
United Way has over 209 families still requiring sponsors, and the holidays are a short two weeks away, said Bill Hulterstrom, President for the United Way for Utah County.
'We have never not been able to help those who needed help,' Hulterstrom said.
United Way has had more apply this year than usual due to Geneva and Novell layoffs and the economy in general, said Jean Cox, communications director for the United Way for Utah County.
'We are really seeing more this year. There is a real increase in the ask,' Hulterstrom said.
Hulterstrom said they usually receive a lot of help from last minute volunteers, and the United Way is hoping these volunteers start coming.
'This is really a great experience for the sponsors,' Cox said.
'It is a real good way to get that warm Christmas feeling,' she said.
With the 1450 families that have applied for support this year, the United Way has seen many extraordinary stories, said Brittany Snow, director for the Sub For Santa program for the United Way for Utah County.
'There are people from all different countries and all different circumstances. They are just down on their luck and could use this help,' Snow said.
Helping those fleeing from abusive situations and those new to the country really can make one appreciate the blessings they have, she said.
'Lots of sponsors don''t have a huge amount of income, but they still sacrifice to help these individuals. It''s a phenomenal thing,' Snow said.
Eric Stoddard, 25, a senior from Salmon, Idaho majoring in Information Systems has taken part with his club, Association for Systems Management, in helping those in need this Christmas.
'I didn''t even feel like it was even a debate. We all thought it would be a good way to help someone this holiday season,' Stoddard said.
'We were all stoked about helping,' he said.