Ten-year-old Jessica, who moved with her mom to Lynn two months ago from El Salvador, is looking forward to seeing snow for the first time and celebrating her first Christmas in America.
“Dear Santa, it is a dream for me to send you this letter. I would like a pair of shoes for the cold as my gift. This year has been a lot of changes,” Jessica wrote to Item Santa. “I behaved all year, and my mommy told me if I always behaved we could have a Christmas tree and you would bring me a special gift.”
Life has been challenging for the fifth-grader and her mom, who is taking English as a Second Language classes and recently started a part-time job.
“I know that there are many children writing to you, Santa. But I would be the happiest girl in the world if we could have a nice tree and I could have warm shoes and clothes. Thank you, Santa.”
Jessica’s mom, with help from her ESL instructor, scribbled a small note at the end of her daughter’s letter. “Jessica is a wonderful little girl. Since she was 7 years old, she has always believed and dreamed that you and your reindeer will fly through the sky and stop at our house near the fireplace. Please make her Christmas happy, with shoes and warm clothes. God bless you.”
Now in its 53rd year, the Item Santa fund helps to make the holidays brighter for those in need. Launched in 1966, the annual fundraiser is run in conjunction with the Salvation Army, which coordinates the program by sorting out requests, purchasing the toys and clothing, and all donations, no matter how small. Last year, the drive netted more than $108,626.51 in pledges. Included in that was a $35,000 donation from General Electric.
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.
