Homeless family ‘can use any help you can give’

LYNN – For many adults, the joy of Christmas is found in the smile of a child on Christmas morning. But that child’s smile, like joy and wonder, is something many parents won’t see this year without your help.Some parents like Jacquelyn, who has two sons, ages 2 and 3, are unable to provide even the basic necessities for their children.”We are homeless and are living in a homeless shelter,” she wrote in a letter to Item Santa. “I can use any help you can give me.”But Jacquelyn didn’t ask for lavish gifts or enclose wish lists with her letter- she simply asked for winter coats and boots for her two young sons because they are currently going without.”I would like my children to have a happy holiday,” she wrote.Like Jacquelyn, Michelle has two children and is currently homeless.”Unfortunately I’m homeless and unemployed,” she wrote. “And will not be able to provide any Christmas toys for them.”Michelle didn’t ask Santa for video game systems, laptop computers or other electronic devices for her children, who are 4 and 11.”Like every other child on Christmas Day I would like for my children to be able to open a couple of presents,” she wrote. “Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated. They are not choosey at all.”That’s where Santa’s helpers come in ? the faithful Item readers who year after year for 41 years have continued opening their hearts and wallets to make sure area children have a gift to open Christmas morning.A gift under the tree is much more than just a toy or warm clothing ? it sends a message to the recipient that they have not been forgotten and gives them a glimmer of hope during the holiday season. No matter how small, your donation to Item Santa can make a world of difference to a needy child and it gives parents a priceless gift ? the gift of seeing their child smile on Christmas morning.To make a donation to Item Santa, clip the coupon in today’s Item or download one and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, P.O. Box 951, Lynn, MA 01903.The Salvation Army will be distributing gifts to needy families Dec. 10-13.Anyone with questions regarding Item Santa can contact can call the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.