Saugus single mom makes appeal to Item Santa

The mother of 7-year-old Saugus girl describes her daughter in a letter to Item Santa as a “bright child with an excellent heart,” even though several unfortunate events have occurred in her first years of life.Born on Sept. 11, 2001, Julie has endured bumps in the road due to forces beyond her control.She has undergone two surgeries at her young age, and has moved twice in two years – relocating to different schools with each move.Julie has also suffered through a “very heartbreaking divorce” of her parents, her mother said.”She has remained a wonderful child with great hope for the future,” she wrote.The single mother is one of hundreds of people asking for assistance from Item Santa for the simplest of gifts. She’s especially asking for small toys and clothes.Sylvia has lived at a Lynn emergency homeless shelter since August and seeks assistance.”I really can’t afford much at this point,” she wrote. “I would really appreciate you helping me and my family this Christmas.”You pass these two people mentioned and others like them on the street or at the grocery store everyday. Many don’t want to admit to others the truth of their neediness and will anonymously tell their story to Item Santa in a desperate attempt for a happy holiday season.Click here to download a coupon to make a donation to Item Santa. Mail it along with your check to the Item Salvation Army Santa, P.O. Box 951, Lynn, MA 01903.For more information call the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.