• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Purchase photos
  • My Account
  • Subscribe
  • Log In
Itemlive

Itemlive

North Shore news powered by The Daily Item

  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • Police/Fire
  • Government
  • Obituaries
  • Archives
  • E-Edition
  • Help
This article was published 6 year(s) ago

Homeless mom hoping for a happy holiday

Anne Marie Tobin

December 13, 2019 by Anne Marie Tobin

For parents, there is nothing better than seeing your child’s joy on Christmas morning when the magic that is Santa Claus leaves lots of presents under the tree. Especially when the child is old enough to latch on to the concept that it’s the toy inside the box that counts, not the box, wrapping paper, ribbons or bows.

But sometimes, parents need some help to make a child’s dream come true, especially when they are homeless and can barely make it from one day to the next without assistance from others.

“My current living situation is not stable for this Christmas,” writes a mother currently living in a local homeless shelter with her two young daughters.

“All I want is for my babies to be able to enjoy the holidays now that they can walk and talk and actually play with a gift. I wish I could buy them all the gifts in the world, but I can’t afford it, so I am afraid I can’t spend a nice Christmas with my daughters. I hope you understand that’s the reason why I need your help.”

You can make this mother’s dreams come true on Christmas morning by making a donation to Item Santa to help celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Now in its 53rd year, the Item Santa fund was created in 1966. Today, Item Santa partners with the Salvation Army to help needy families have a happy holiday. Any donation, large or small, will help the cause.

To make a donation, clip the coupon in The Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, P.O. Box 5, Lynn, MA 01903.

You can also make an online donation and have your contributions acknowledged by clicking on the following link: https://newitemlive.wpengine.com/itemsanta.

All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December 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.

  • Anne Marie Tobin
    Anne Marie Tobin

    Anne Marie Tobin is a sports reporter for the Item and sports editor of the Lynnfield and weeklies. She also serves as the associate editor of North Shore Golf magazine. Anne Marie joined the Weekly News staff in 2014 and Essex Media Group in 2016. A seven-time Massachusetts state amateur women’s golf champion and member of the Massachusetts Golf Association Hall of Fame, Tobin is graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Suffolk University Law School. She practiced law for 30 years before becoming a sports reporter. Follow her on Twitter at: @WeeklyNewsNow.

    View all posts

Related posts:

No related posts.

Primary Sidebar

Advertisement

Sponsored Content

Accessible, Covered, and Close to Home: Making Esketamine Therapy a Real Option for More People

Financial advice for U.S. Citizens in Spain

Safe, Supervised, and Grounded in Care: How Lumin Health Delivers Ketamine Therapy Responsibly

Advertisement

Upcoming Events

Adult Color/Paint Time

December 27, 2025
5 N Common St, Lynn, MA, United States, Massachusetts 01902

BIBLE STUDY

December 18, 2025
216 Lynnfield St, Lynn, MA

Blippi – Be Like Me Tour!

March 14, 2026
Lynn Auditorium

Bonsai Workshop at Bent Water Brewing Company

December 21, 2025
Bent Water Brewing Company

Footer

About Us

  • About Us
  • Editorial Practices
  • Advertising and Sponsored Content

Reader Services

  • Subscribe
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Activate Subscriber Account
  • Submit an Obituary
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Daily Item Photo Store
  • Submit A Tip
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions

Essex Media Group Publications

  • La Voz
  • Lynnfield Weekly News
  • Marblehead Weekly News
  • Peabody Weekly News
  • 01907 The Magazine
  • 01940 The Magazine
  • 01945 The Magazine
  • North Shore Golf Magazine

© 2025 Essex Media Group