PROVO — The United Way of Utah County is now taking applications and seeking sponsors for the Sub for Santa program.

The temporary assistance program provides Christmas gifts for children through sponsors.

Last year, United Way of Utah County Sub for Santa provided more than 1,600 families and more than 4,500 children with Christmas assistance while helping them learn to develop and maintain self-sufficiency.

Families receiving assistance must apply and qualify for assistance through Sub for Santa. Numerous eligibility factors are considered, including income, expenses and individual disabilities, as well as other circumstances, such as age of children and recent unemployment.

In addition to basic gifts, applicants receive budgeting information and ideas on creating Christmas traditions that fill the home with holiday spirit without draining financial resources. They also attend workshops where they learn about educational and financial resources available in the community.

Each sponsor is asked to donate two items of clothing, two new toys and a book for each child. Donated gifts should be new and unwrapped. Sponsors may include gift wrap as part of their donation.

Those interested in applying for assistance should call 356-6200 and listen to a recorded message explaining the details of the program, including a schedule of workshops where applications and information will be distributed. Application workshops will be held from Saturday through early December.

Those interested in sponsoring a Sub for Santa family should call 356-6300 or visit www.unitedwayuc.org/subforsanta for more information.