It is Christmas morning and it’s time to wake up the children, but they’re already wide awake, awaiting the unwrapping of their gifts. They share smiles so bright it warms the hearts of the entire family.
The unfortunate truth about the holidays is not every family is allowed the fortune of sharing that same experience. Those are the families who write letters in to Item Santa seeking financial assistance. All they wish for is to put that smile on the faces of their innocent children.
“I need help with my granddaughter because she doesn’t have a mother or a father,” one grandmother writes. “I am the one raising her, as a single parent, living off of Social Security to provide for her the best I can.”
Raising a young girl is hard enough, but doing so as a single grandmother with no consistent income doesn’t make it any easier. The only thing she yearns for is a Christmas morning filled with gifts for a young girl who has endured a hard life.
Being raised with the absence of a parent can be extremely challenging, especially during the holiday season. One mother writes in from a local shelter where her and her son are staying.
“My son and I live in a shelter, I have no job, and his father is nowhere to be found,” she pleads. “Past Christmases my son barely had any toys because of the lack of any help and the lack of me having a job. I just want my son to have something, rather than nothing.”
Being raised with no father is a burden that should not be cast on any young boy. This holiday season, just a simple donation can help to enlighten a child and shed a smile. Those with unfortunate financial situations should not have to suffer for the wrong choices made by others.
Another parent writes in seeking assistance in giving the joy of Christmas gifts to their 5-year-old daughter. At such a young age, the daughter’s belief in Santa Claus has ignited her wishes for a Christmas tree bombarded with toys, dolls, and games.
“I am a single parent that needs help putting a smile on my daughter’s face,” they write. “Please help me.”
Every parent wishes the best for their child, especially under trying circumstances. If you wish to help put a smile on the face of a struggling child this holiday season, then donate. No young child deserves to feel as though they aren’t worthy of holiday gifts due to the financial struggles of their family.
To make a direct donation to Item Santa, fill out the form below or visit www.itemsanta.org.
All donations are listed in The Item through December and into 2018, along with a brief message from each donor, if they desire.
Anyone 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 the distribution of gifts should be directed to Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.
