Tiffany’s story is all too common and the wish list she hopes Item Santa can fill is heart-breakingly modest.
She would like to give her three-month-old daughter a “learning toy,” clothes and bedding, specifically a comforter set. Tiffany has been out of work for seven months. She has managed to pay her bills but housing is a major expense because she needs to find a deleaded apartment.
“I have to save any money I received to pay for moving cost(s),” she wrote in a letter to Item Santa.
Now in its 53rd year, Item Santa annually gathers appeals for assistance like Tiffany’s and draws on the generosity of people who are more than willing to give a little extra during the holidays to help someone in need.
Item Santa’s spirit has shone brightly across the decades to light the way of generosity and show people who are struggling, who think life is too tough to set aside time to celebrate the holidays, that people care about them.
Tiffany’s story is similar to stories shared by other letter writers who are struggling to make ends meet. They are trying to save money in the face of job loss or staggering medical bills. They are trying to do their best for children too young to appreciate adult struggles and challenges. They are asking for just a little help to make Christmas brighter for their children and to ease financial stress that never seems to take a holiday vacation.
Item Santa draws on the year-round generosity of many people to make sure the holiday spirit is in full glow to light the way of hope for Tiffany and many others.
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.
