After four decades, Item Santa keeps spirit of giving alive

Item Staff ReportLYNN – It began with a question posed four decades ago: how can we help clothe a few children living in poor households? The answer to that modest query sparked an outpouring of heartfelt sharing that has made Item Santa an enduring part of local holiday charity.At every level, from the school kid donating a few pennies to the corporate executive writing a five-figure check, Item Santa over the years has become an outpouring of giving.The heart of that charitable spirit encompasses Lynn with its long history of welcoming people from distant shores, a history that truly embodies Lady Liberty’s entreaty to enfold and shelter the huddled masses.It is a spirit nourished by contributors in surrounding towns, in business and homes, in churches, in non-profit organizations, working in fire and police stations, writing a check or provide other support without seeking recognition or praise.These contributors to Item Santa know that while many families will enjoy holiday dinners and share time and love with family this year, others will not have gifts to open or even a tree or colorful lights to celebrate a season that should be festive.Item Santa for nearly half a century has set the benchmark for local holiday donations, for charitable sharing has been met again and again since then.Despite the expenses that always seem to mount during the holidays, despite worries about what the coming year might mean in terms of job security or health, Item Santa’s supporters have come through every year so that others might find hope in the happiness of the holidays.Throughout its history, Item Santa has never faltered, its donors, big and small, have never said, “That’s enough, this year the budget is too tight to spare a little.” Item Santa’s hundreds of contributors have never asked, “Who are we helping? Are they really deserving?”These questions contradict the spirit of giving that defines Item Santa. Its legions of donors know that selfless giving to those who are less fortunate is the definition of the holidays.Item Santa’s helpers understand that the daily challenge to put food in the refrigerator; oil in the furnace tank and gas in the car should not prevent a parent, a grandparent or guardian from putting a smile on a child’s face.The true joy of the holiday is the lesson of charity. Item Santa helps adults in need of help pass that gift on to their children so that another generation can join the ranks of Item Santa’s supporter in decades to come.Item Santa is in its 45th year of brightening the lives of local children. To make a donation, clip the coupon on Page A5 of today’s Daily Item and mail it, along with a 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.