Greater Lynners find meaning of Christmas in Item Santa donations

For the better part of the last month, you’ve read stories from many of my colleagues here at the paper that are about those people who need a little help to make Christmas dreams come true for their children.And despite economic times that are as tough as they’ve been in almost two decades, the generosity of the Item’s readers has not ceased.That really is what the true meaning of Christmas is.For many people, this day will be spent wrapping and putting presents under a tree or running around the mall trying to get that perfect last minute gift that has been so difficult to find. For others, it’s a chance to get together with family, drink some eggnog or cider and spread a little Christmas cheer.But as you’ve seen, there are some people who do not have the means to make that possible. And through the Item Santa, they are getting the chance to give a child a present, but more importantly, a memory that could last a lifetime.Whether it’s an action figure, a book or board game, Item readers’ donations have given parents or guardians a chance to see the smile on a young person’s face.And having a new family member who got to meet Santa Claus for the first time this month, it makes it all worth it.Everywhere you turn now, there’s icicle lights hanging from facades, inflatable versions of Frosty sitting on lawns and even a few Christmas trees that light up and play all different types of Christmas carols. And when you throw in the blanket of snow that Mother Nature dealt the area thanks to a pair of major winter storms, it truly does look a lot like Christmas out there.And that’s enough to make even the most unemotional person crack a little bit of a smile.The never ending generosity of the Item’s loyal readers also has to give people a reason to smile. When you see the list of people who give money, no matter how big or small, it renews a little bit of Christmas spirit in all of us.So once again to the Item’s readers, thank you for giving generously and allowing those not so fortunate to have a smile on their face tomorrow morning.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.