This year was difficult for many, especially for one little girl in Lynn who lost her mom.
“It has been a rough year for the both of us,” a young father wrote to Item Santa on behalf of himself and his daughter. “I now have custody of my daughter and want to give her the best Christmas possible this year, as it is her first without her mom.”
He explained his daughter’s mother died suddenly and unexpectedly earlier this year. His daughter was uprooted to live with her father and he wants to try to make her first Christmas under his roof a positive one.
The father asked Item Santa to help him buy a toy and some warm clothing for his daughter. He can’t afford daycare and his daughter is not yet in school, which has been problematic for him in keeping a full-time job.
Another reader lost her older brother in October and can’t afford Christmas gifts for her daughter and young sister because she spent all of her money on funeral expenses.
“I am very behind in bills, especially my gas bill, which has a shut-off notice for next week because I cannot pay at this time,” she wrote to Item Santa. “I am struggling to even buy diapers right now.”
The reader takes care of her mother and younger sister, which adds pressure to her already tight budget.
“It would be great to give my daughter something,” she wrote. “It’s something I can’t do at the moment.”
Now in its 52nd year, the Item Santa fund helps make Christmas brighter for those in need. All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2019, 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 the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.
