A little can mean a lot

Missing out on a crowded mall parking space; marching through the stores in search of an elusive gift; brainstorming what to get the person who never provides gift ideas – these are holiday aggravations. But they don’t mean a lot compared to the concerns facing a Lynn mother of four this Christmas.”I do not have enough to have a good Christmas,” the woman wrote to Item Santa by way of explaining how just a little help could make the holiday brighter for her three daughters and young son.She isn’t planning to buy an Xbox or an iPad or the latest fashions. No, her letter to Item Santa details basic needs she wants to meet for her kids, including clothes, shoes and coats. The last line she writes in her letter is, “thanks so much.”Now in its 48th year, Item Santa provides a chance not only to share the elemental joy of Christmas with another person; it also lets people look for hope within themselves by feeling heartfelt charity exhibited by others. Item Santa has brought smiles to the faces of children who have the chance – thanks to the generosity of others – to open gifts on Christmas.But Item Santa also brings necessities to people without adequate winter clothing, bedclothes and food. The philosophy of Item Santa is simple: If people in need can be shown the kindness of others then they can gain the hope they need to help themselves and, in time, help others.Some of the young people helped by Item Santa are new arrivals to the country facing the challenges of mastering English, attending new schools and finding their way around a place much different from the one where they were born.Others suffer indirectly from the devastation that substance abuse visits upon families. Children struggle to sort out feelings of love and allegiance to adults in their lives even as those grownups struggle with alcohol and drugs.Santa isn’t just a “hand out:” It is a sign of hope in a time of challenge. Sometimes the people who are most in need of hope are those with the greatest capacity to share the gratitude extended to them by others.The hope offered by an unexpected gift and a helping hand outshines Christmas lights and holiday glow. It provides a sense of renewal for the New Year and the strength to make a new start at righting tough circumstances.Selfless donations through Item Santa and the Salvation Army show those in need that there are resources to help them all year round. Item Santa shares the same spirit as the local organizations that provide fuel assistance, offer shelter to domestic violence victims and job opportunities to those who have been laid off.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. You can also use the coupon attached to the itemlive.com version of this story as well.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 desired.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 should be directed to Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.