Mother wants her boys to believe in miracles

With Christmas approaching, parents are out shopping with lists for Santa, hoping to see their children’s faces light up when they open their presents.But for some parents, this time of year is depressing. The expenses of daily life leave little or nothing left over for toys or other gifts to put under the tree. Parents get frustrated that while they can give their kids the essentials, they have no financial wiggle room for a fun outing or a few Christmas presents.One mother who wrote to Item Santa said that while she has a great job working with less fortunate children, she can barely get by each month providing for her four boys and her husband, who is not currently working.”The life of a working mother is what I try to convince myself is the excuse that my children aren’t able to experience such a giving season,” the mother wrote. “And I want them to this year.”She said that it delights her to see many children she works with receive donations and gifts through caring organizations, but she also feels a sense of envy for her own children.The mother said that her sons, ages 16, 8, 7 and 2, don’t ask for much and are appreciative of what they do have, but she would like to give them a good Christmas.While she said she always struggles to provide holiday cheer, you have the power to brighten her family’s holiday by contributing to Item Santa.”My boys deserve to believe in miracles just as much as anyone,” she wrote. “And there have been some years when they couldn’t believe because we had nothing.”Now in its 48th year, the Item Santa fund endeavors to make Christmas a little brighter for those among us who are less fortunate. 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.