A chance to lift those struggling

The loss of a job or an illness can take its toll on even the most financially stable among us, but those who struggle making ends meet during the best of times can be sent into a tailspin when life throws a curve ball.The Item Salvation Army Santa has been providing assistance to families in need during the holiday season for the past 47 years, and, unfortunately, the need continues to grow.Joyce Preble, the social services director at the Lynn Salvation Army for the past 12 years, receives the letters from those seeking help and her sense is that the need is greater than ever.?We have a lot of people who have worked and lost their jobs, and now they?re struggling to stay in their homes and apartments,” she said. “Christmas gets put on the back burner. They have no money ? There are more people worse off than even a year ago.”Preble said a lot of people come in seeking heating assistance, often because they were shut off the year before or still owed money to the oil companies. She said there are no funds available for heat assistance at this point.One letter writer sought help for her three children, ages 3 through 9. The woman had lost her job back in October, only months after having been burnt out of her apartment. Another woman has four children and is only getting 20 hours per week at her minimum wage job. Her boyfriend is dealing with cancer.Those who would like to help out can do so by donating to the Item Salvation Army Santa. Some people received help at some point in their life and now try to pay it back by helping another person in need. Others donate in memory of a loved or just as a way to be thankful for their own good fortune or good health.
To make a donation print out this coupon or use the coupon on Page A5 of today?s Item and mail your check, along with a message you?d like to see listed with your donation, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, P.O. Box 951, Lynn, MA 01903.Please note that the application period for assistance this season closed Nov. 27. The Daily Item does not process applications. All questions should be directed to the Salvation Army Lynn office at 1 Franklin St. Call the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.