Item Santa hears plea of Lynn mom of 2, abandoned by husband

Today’s teetering economy has turned many families’ lives upside down. One day, they’re in line for Black Friday bargains and the next they’re in line for canned goods from the local food pantry.One such family resides in Lynn. Last year, Nicole, a mother of two, was raising her children with the love and care of her husband. They shared a modest home, earned an honest living, and ate family meals around the kitchen table each day.Then, her husband lost his job and life as she knew it changed. He became severely depressed and left town, abandoning Nicole and their children. Soon after, her son got sick and she was forced to quit her job in order to stay home and care for him. It wasn’t long before Nicole couldn’t afford to pay the bills and her family was homeless.”Life is very hard on us now,” said Nicole in a letter to the Item Santa. “Everyday, it gets harder and harder.”Nicole can barely provide food and clothing for her young son and daughter, let alone provide them with a fulfilling Christmas. She wants nothing more than to keep their childhood belief in Santa alive and have at least a few presents underneath the tree.”My little girl said to me today, “Mommy, will Santa find me this year?'” wrote Nicole. “I said to her, ‘I hope so, baby. I hope so.'”Despite their difficult circumstances, Nicole said her children have continued to perform well in school, be kind to others, and keep their faith in God.”They deserve to have a happy Christmas like other children,” she said. “They’ve remained so strong through all of this.”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.