Single dad has a single wish for his son

Between working full-time, caring for a family and trying to carve out time for holiday shopping, it is all too easy to lose sight of those who have fallen through the cracks.There are those who are not frantically running around, because, quite simply, it’s not an option. The money isn’t there.There are scores of reasons why or how this happens, but the result remains the same. These are the less fortunate and they are the people whom, as the 48th Item Santa drive gets underway, we strive to help.After his domestic partner left them with nothing three years ago, a father has tried for some time to sustain a life for himself and his 7-year-old son.”It was really tough on him to have his mother walk out,” the father said.With no one else to turn to, the father said he was forced to resign from his job and move into a smaller home in order to care for his son.The dollars have continued to dwindle as the father has not been able to find a new job.”Finances are tough right now, and each day money gets tighter,” he said, adding that his family has also been plagued by illness and personal loss.The father said his son just wants to see his mother again and for his father to find happiness with someone new.However, the father said all he really wants is for his little boy to have the Christmas he deserves.”He is my entire life,” he said.The area abounds with situations such as these ? where material needs take a backseat to more pressing issues such as this family’s. And the Item Santa fund can certainly lessen the impact of this tragic situation.If you want to make a direct donation to Item Santa, clip the coupon on Page A3 in The Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, P.O. Box 5, Lynn, MA 01903.All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2015, along with a brief message from each donor, if they desire.Those interested in signing up to collect at Santa Island or any business willing to sell stockings should contact David Solimine Sr. or Joel Solimine at 781-595-1492.NOTE: The application period for aid from Item Santa has closed and The Item does not process applicants. All questions about the program and distribution of gifts and should be directed to Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.