LYNN — It’s an odd sight to see, but it’s one that Lynn has grown accustomed to during the holiday season.
For decades, the 82-year-old David Solimine Sr. has been standing in Wyoma Square collecting donations for needy families.
Item Santa, the charitable organization that collects money to provide Christmas gifts to children, has been spreading holiday joy throughout the community for more than 50 years. But it’s not without its challenges.
“People’s lives are a lot busier now but there are still a lot of good people who volunteer,” said Solimine. “It’s becoming less and less because people just aren’t volunteering like they used to. It’s not easy collecting anywhere, and that’s one of the challenges, as well as dealing with the weather.”
Standing outside in December and collecting money from motorists isn’t always fun, he said. Those who take part in this voluntary act of holiday kindness raise as much money as they can for the families who need it most, despite New England’s unpredictable weather, he added.
“There was one year it rained so hard, all of the money was sticking together so we had to take it down to the dryer and dry it all,” said Adele Hultgren, the Island treasurer for the past nine years.
Solimine, of Solimine Funeral Homes, and his family have been involved in many of the community’s charitable organizations during his lifetime. But Item Santa remains one of his most cherished. From standing outside in the cold to collect buckets of money, to promoting the annual fundraising push, and to accepting personal donations sent to him, Solimine is grateful to be a part of it.
“We are involved in a lot of charities and this is a good one,” he said. “Through the years, we have historically collected at least 20 percent of the income for Item Santa.”
Lisa Nerich, associate commissioner for the Department of Public Works, has been a part of Solimine’s Item Santa team for nearly a decade. Despite the endeavors that come with representing such an involved organization, Nerich finds the efforts made by the Solimine family inspiring, she said.
“If you know the Solimine family, they’re very committed to the community,” she said. “Whether it’s the Sacred Heart church or the schools, there are a lot of behind the scenes things that people don’t know about.”
In an effort to amp up the Item Santa donations, Solimine has gotten creative. Attempting to appeal to Lynn residents, he and his team put together a fun-filled event.
“We are doing a celebrity bartender night at the Four Winds Pub on Wednesday,” said Solimine. “All the bartender tips go to Item Santa and the musicians are all volunteers, as well as all of the celebrity bartenders.”
As the holidays inch closer, the deadline to donate to Item Santa and help a child smile this Christmas does, too. Make sure to get your contributions in by the end of December.
“Any amount is very, very appreciated,” said Nerich. “Whether it’s a quarter, to $500, to even volunteering your time.”
