Item Santa warms hearts on the coldest nights

LYNN-They give but expect no thanks. They think of the needs of others even though they may never meet the people they help. The essence of Item Santa is giving without the expectation of thanks at a time of year when many people need a helping hand.Item Santa, with the support of generous contributors, will reach out to thousands of people this year in the hope of providing them with a happier holiday.These contributors know that the effort and expenditure involved in putting a smile on a child’s face during the holiday season does not take place in an economic vacuum.Creditors and landlords don’t declare December “free bill and rent paying month.” Oil companies don’t pour free fuel into oil tanks. Car payment companies don’t call drivers along with insurers and say, “Skip this month’s payment, it’s on us.” Mortgage foreclosure companies don’t reschedule their hearings just because colorful lights or plastic candy canes hang on someone’s front door.Item Santa-Salvation Army is cognizant of these real-life holiday realities. The people who come to Item Santa’s aid know in their hearts that to give a little to someone who needs it is to actually give a lot. Call it an investment of charity, or, if you prefer, a holiday blessing.Item Santa has been blessed with thousands of acts of selfless giving year after year. The donors don’t want recognition: the roll of thanks saluting them daily is an acknowledgement that the donors rarely seek. Their real thanks come with the knowledge that helping someone less fortunate than them during a financially trying time of year is reward enough.The holiday lights, the carols, the candle lightings and get-togethers are all opportunities at year’s end to say thanks. For Item Santa-Salvation Army, the real thanks comes in the form of someone with gratitude in their heart reaching out to help someone who is grateful for any extra assistance they can get.If you are interested in donating to help countless area families provide a happy holiday for their children, 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.For more information, call the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.