Making a difference

Christmas is a time for reflection and giving. We work hard throughout the year and holiday season to help provide for our families, and purchase some neat toys and gadgets in celebration of the season. These gestures can be big or small, but they make a difference in the lives of those who receive them.One local mother discovered she was pregnant in May of 2013 and quickly became excited of greeting her newborn baby. At 29, she was a new mother and had been attempting to get pregnant for some time. The doctors told her she was expecting twins, and her excitement grew tenfold. She began preparing to shower her children with love and affection.Sadly, doctors told her she had lost one of the twins, and she was now only expecting one daughter. She was saddened by the news, but she could not let that affect her due to her job. Now in December, she was weeks away from giving birth when her employer told her she was being terminated.The news made her blood pressure spike, and she now was under heavy medication during the birth of her daughter. After the birth of her daughter she was forced to move back home because her lack of income made her lose her apartment.She now performs odd jobs to help provide the necessities for her daughter, but that is not enough. “I would go through this all again just to have her,” she said. “She’s taught me how to be strong and how to love unconditionally.”While some ask for a new Xbox, iPad or a vacation, others just want the bare necessities for themselves and their children.While life has certainly not made it easy for this young mother, the generosity of the community can help her give herself and her daughter a proper Christmas and make this special time of year just a little easier for this family.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.