Help lift mom out of the dumps

A local mother said she “thought her life was complete.” But since her fiance left her with all the bills, three kids and Christmas coming, she is asking Item Santa for a little help.”Now I find that my struggle is so real,” the mother wrote.The mother said she “did not see (the breakup) coming,” and the cost of renting a home, paying bills and paying for heating oil has left her considering a move to the South.But Christmas is around the corner, and the mother needs a little help for her three kids.Her 13-year-old girl loves Top 40 music, boots (size 7?) and hair and fashion. A 5-year-old girl loves baby dolls and clothes, and is a size 6 in pants and shirts and a size 13 in boots. The woman’s 3-year-old son loves Transformers, especially Optimus and Bumblebee. He also loves Spiderman toys and decorations for his room.”I’m not asking for much because there are children who need more,” the mother wrote. “I am just asking for a little assistance.”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. 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.