L-3 Communications Donates to Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa Program

By Capt. Ryan Sutherland
Photos by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins

See more images here.

SALT LAKE CITY — L-3 Communication Systems-West presented an in-kind donation to the Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa program Dec. 6 at the Salt Lake Armory.

L-3 Communications employees organize donations for the the Utah Guard's Sub-for-Santa
program  at Salt Lake Armory Dec. 6. U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins.

According to Capt. Noé Vázquez, director of the Sub-for-Santa program, donations from private citizens and organizations like this will ensure a more meaningful Christmas for military families in Utah who have indicated a need for support this year. As of Dec. 5, the Utah Guard Family Support Services office projects helping about 300 children during the holiday.

The Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa program was originated in 2003 after many community members realized the sacrifices that our Utah servicemembers were performing. The intent of the community members was to give back to military families, with deployed members and who were in need. Last year, the Sub-for-Santa program assisted nearly 400 children in need. While this program specifically assists those dependents of our Utah military who might go without during a holiday season, the program does accept general gifts for the parents or family gifts.

Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, formally thanks L-3 Communications
employees Dec. 6  for their generous donations. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins. 

Sub for Santa is dedicated to helping people who cannot help themselves. An application process verifies that the donations go to the families who need it most. Applicants are also given the tools and resources with learning opportunities to help them better manage their money, time, and talents from a Family Assistance Center.

Those wishing to make a donation to the Sub-for-Santa program can make payments online here.