Students at Brighton High School are catching the true spirit of the season as they partner with Cottonwood Heights City employees in their annual Sub for Santa event.

This year, they’ll deliver the magic of Christmas to six pre-selected families in the city.

“Service for these students means an opportunity to not think about themselves; to open their eyes and make them realize that there are always people in need,” said Courtney Long, a Brighton High student government adviser. “Generally, from these experiences they come out feeling really great about what they’ve done, which in turn allows them to continue to serve others around them.”

The yearly service project helps both city employees and students reach out to members of the community and provide Christmas for families who may otherwise have to go without.

But it’s not big-ticket items that these families are looking for. Instead, the wish lists include mostly practical gifts, such as school supplies, winter clothing and diapers.

“It’s a way that we get to help others,” said Candi Tanner, a member of the city’s Sub for Santa committee. “Our employees find satisfaction in serving these families. We are able to give them things that they really want and need. We get to help them give their children gifts they wouldn’t normally get this Christmas.”

The Brighton High student body officers plan to head up fundraising efforts for the cause with city employees also supplying gifts and funds.

If you would like to contribute, you can contact Long through the high school’s administrative office.