Item Santa teaches a lesson in life from which many may learn

Pretty much everywhere you turn these days, there’s either a wreath hanging from some window, lights blinking up a storm and Christmas carols playing across the radio dial.They are all signs that the Christmas season is upon us.To most people, this, to steal a phrase from singer Andy Williams, is “the most wonderful time of the year.”But there are some people who don’t have the means to make it a special time for loved ones.With the country in the grips of a recession the likes of which hasn’t been seen in almost two decades, putting presents under a Christmas tree simply isn’t a possibility for some people.Enter the Item Santa and the charitable hearts of Item readers.For the better part of the last half century, through the generous donations of our readers and local businesses, the Item Santa has made Christmas a little brighter for those children who need a little help in that department.Take for example, one father who wrote to the Item Santa to help provide presents for his 11-year-old daughter, who has the heart of someone who is much older.As her father writes, “My daughter ? is such a sweet, thoughtful and caring young lady. Whatever holiday or birthday approaches, she is always thinking of some way she can provide her independent effort to make someone feel special.”That’s a lesson in life that many of us can learn from.This 11-year-old also enjoys tennis, soccer and basketball and, with your help, she can keep alive her dream of being the next Mia Hamm or Candice Parker.She also has a love of board games as her dad says “that is something she really enjoys playing.”So, as you trudge through stores looking for that perfect gift for a special someone, keep in mind that in these tough economic times, any type of generosity can be hard, but it just might make a child’s dream come true.As the father writes, “thank you and all your elves for providing us this magical opportunity. Happy Holidays!”Click here to download a coupon to make a donation to Item Santa. Mail it, along with you 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.