Donations help Lynn siblings and others in need

LYNN – This really is the most wonderful time of the year.Christmas trees have been lit on the commons of Lynn and Boston and just down the road in Saugus Center. Holly is decking the hallways in many a home and public building. The smell of pine and the sounds of Christmas classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Silver Bells” fill the air. And children everywhere are filling out those Christmas lists and writing to Santa about how very good they’ve been.There are two little siblings on Baltimore Street who have been very good this year, according to their parents. They are whip smart and work hard. One hopes to be a teacher and work with needy children or maybe a doctor and take care of the homeless. The other wants to be a pilot and soar among the clouds or a police officer so he can protect the weak “in his new country.”They have hopes and dreams, and their parents encourage them to think big.”And we strive to raise them the way we think will be correct to accomplish their education and their dreams,” wrote their parents in a letter to Item Santa.But like many, the family is struggling financially. Kiplinger, a Washington, D.C.-based publisher of financial forecasts, predicts 2014 will brighten economically, but that’s little comfort for any family trying to make even the smallest of dreams come true for Christmas in 2013.You can help make this the most wonderful time of the year not only for a Baltimore Street family but for families in need across the city. Your donation, no matter how big or how small, will bring joy to a needy child, and that is all it takes to make this the most wonderful time of the year for any family.To make a donation print out this coupon or use the coupon on Page B2 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.