The heart of Item Santa is selfless giving to others by individuals who may never meet the children they are helping. The heart of Item Santa is the heart of Christmas, of all holidays that celebrate the ability of individuals to work together to make the lives of others better.
Item Santa’s work is confined to the holidays but its message resonates year round by reminding us all about how charity through selfless giving gladdens all of our hearts.
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.
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 several other ways to donate. To contribute online, go to www.itemsanta.com, where you can make a donation via 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.
