Applications for help from Item Santa now being accepted

LYNN – It’s that time of year again when those who would like to request help from Item Santa need to file their application with the Salvation Army Lynn office.For 43 years, Item Santa has helped provide toys and clothing for children in Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus and Swampscott.The bulk of fundraising, as in past years, is done between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. But because it is such an incredible undertaking to serve the thousands requesting assistance, applications for help must be made by Nov. 24.The schedule, in keeping with that past few years, is set up to allow proper screening of applicants as well as the orderly distribution of toys and vouchers.All applicants must show up in person to The Salvation Army, 1 Franklin St., Lynn, weekdays beginning today between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and provide a letter stating children’s wishes, including the name, age and gender of children. Parents or guardians must also provide a birth certificate for each child. Each letter must be verified in one of the following ways:For those receiving EAEDC, AFDC or TADFC, attach the original green holiday gift verification letter, which should be received in November from the Office of Transitional Assistance.If you do not receive any of the above forms of assistance, attach a letter of verification from one of the following sources: a pastor or priest, a school principal, the child(ren)’s doctor or a certified social worker.Any questions about the Item Santa application process must be directed to The Salvation Army, 781-598-0673, or visit the 1 Franklin St. office.Please note The Daily Item does not process applications for assistance from Item Santa.The Item, with the help of many community leaders – in particular David Solimine Sr. who is the founder of Santa Island at Wyoma Square – has raised more than $2 million for the cause.Sean Leonard, the Item’s editorial page and feature sections editor, has spearheaded the fundraising drive for Item Santa for the past five years.”The need this year is greater than ever. We’re amazed each year as people step up to ensure children of Lynn and Greater Lynn have smiles on their faces on Christmas morning,” Leonard said.He added, however, “It is essential those in need follow the application guidelines, so that no child is forgotten.”It is an incredible undertaking by The Salvation Army to meet with each applicant, confirm their need, and schedule a time for them to come and pick up gifts and/or clothing vouchers.”Please note, The Daily Item does not accept or process applications for assistance from Item Santa. While the newspaper does forward requests to The Salvation Army, those who do not appear in person to The Salvation Army office before Nov. 24 will not qualify for assistance.