Year after year, the Item Santa receives letters from parents asking for help in providing their children with a meaningful Christmas full of gifts, love and cheer. Now, with Christmas just around the corner, time to get gifts for children everywhere is running out.
Every year there are some families less fortunate than others, and who need help from The Item Santa and his Elves, who are excited to spread Christmas cheer by being generous for the Holidays.
Recently, the world has experienced an influx of sadness with the events that have been taking place around it. Now it is Christmas -a time to spread joy and love, a time for giving and a time for peace. That said, it is especially important to remember that giving a little more to those less fortunate than you are is what the spirit of Christmas is all about.
This year, a single mother writes to the Item Santa, expressing her need for a donation of clothes and toys, anything to make the season just a little brighter for her child. Those who reach out for help just can’t do it alone. It isn’t much to ask for. Every child deserves to wake up on Christmas morning with shining presents wrapped underneath a brightly lit Christmas tree.
Mom writes, “Dear Santa, I’m a single mother and this year I need help with some clothes and toys, whatever you can help me with, I’d really appreciate it. This year hasn’t been a great one money wise and I only want to make my boy happy. Thanks”.
Now in its 49th 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 A7 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 2016, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.
This year, we have two other ways to donate besides clipping the coupon and writing a check. To contribute online, go to www.itemsanta.com, where you can make a donation via credit card. We have also included a text-to-give function that will make donating to the fund easier. There are four steps: 1 — text 41444; 2 — type in ITEMSANTA, space, your amount, space, and your name; Example: ITEMSANTA 250 John Smith; 3 — hit send. 4 — Click on donation link to enter payment information and complete your pledge. The donation will not appear on your mobile phone bill. You must pledge directly from the link on your mobile device using a credit card.
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.
