Lynn mother seeking a little Christmas joy

This Sunday marks the third Sunday of Advent, which is when those that celebrate light the pink candle that represents joy.Advent is a time of preparation and that is just what one Lynn mother would like to do, prepare a little Christmas joy, but this year, she could use some help.Barbara has four children, ages 4 to 11, who, she said, fill her with joy. What she doesn’t have is a way to make this season joyful for them. After working at that same job for a number of years she was forced to leave due to an injury, and she has had no income since. That was four long months ago. Barbara is behind on bills and fearful that if something doesn’t change soon there will be no Christmas at all for her children.”My children are awesome, caring, funny and filled with love for me” she writes in a letter to Item Santa. “And I just want to give them an ounce of what they give me everyday.”It’s a harsh reality that during a time of year that is dedicated to peace and joy there are homes where both are in short supply. So we ask, when you hear the words “joy to the world” in song or in greeting or see them printed on one of the dozens of Christmas cards your family will receive, think about spreading a little of that joy around this season.Your generous donations will not only help Barbara put a little joy in a box for her children but it will help parents and guardians everywhere who need a hand up so they can also experience the joy of watching a child open gifts on Christmas Day.To make a donation print out this coupon or use the coupon on Page A6 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.