One of the sadder stories about immigration is how often — and for how long — families have been separated so that moms or dads could come to the United States to plant the seeds for a better life.
They go to the United States, and leave wives and children behind in their nations of origin until there’s enough money to send for them. Sometimes, that process can take years.
Today, we have one of those situations. A mother writes to Item Santa to ask for help to provide her son with a Christmas present. She is single, and is trying to work full time to make ends meet and so she can send it back to her family in Guatemala.
“I came to the U.S. from Guatemala,” she wrote. “I try to send them as much money as I can, and support them, which is very difficult while trying to take care of myself and my son with a lot of bills.”
Just recently, the woman was able to bring one of her sons into the United States.
“He is 9,” she wrote.”I know that he will be going through a transition and is already trying to adjust.
“I want to make this Christmas for him as normal as can be.”
It’s tempting to say this is a normal letter as we get during the holiday season as part of the Item Santa drive. It highlights the struggles of people who live here right next to us. They live, as the late Sen. Hubert Humphrey used to say, in life’s shadows.
Perhaps you pass them during the day on your walk to the office. Maybe this woman gives you your cup of coffee in the morning, or waits on your table if you go to breakfast.
She is among the working poor — a segment of the population that grows exponentially every year.
Your contribution to the Item Santa Fund — however slight you think it is — will help her, and hundreds of others in the Lynn area, to be able to afford something for that 9-year-old boy so that he can go through winter at least with life’s necessities.
“I would appreciate any help,” the woman wrote.
And so would Item Santa.
Now in its 53rd year, the Item Santa fund helps to make Christmas brighter for the needy. To donate, clip the coupon in The Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, PO Box 5, Lynn, MA 01903.
There is also a way to donate online, and have your contributions acknowledged, just click on the following link: https://newitemlive.wpengine.com/itemsanta.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2020, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.
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.
