One family of four is struggling to find joy this holiday season as it grapples with
the loss of their father, their rock, who died from kidney failure this past June.
“I am a single mom of three asking for your help,” the family’s mother wrote, “My husband, the father to my three children, passed away on June 27, (and) it’s been hard with the loss and with COVID.”
The mother said that her children, twins, 6, and a younger son, 5, have found it difficult to cope with their father’s death during the last several months, especially as their first Christmas without him draws near.
While many parents look forward to making their children’s holiday memories special, this mother worries that her own young children’s Christmas looks bleak as they try to make sense of the fact that their father will no longer be there to make new memories with them.
Although she acknowledges this holiday season will be a painful one no matter what, she said she hopes Item Santa can still help her give each child a fun gift to enjoy.
“I am struggling and would love to give my children something to open up on Christmas morning,” the mother wrote. “We would be grateful for any help that can be given, as this is our first holiday without their father’s presence.”
Now in its 54th 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 2021, 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 the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.
