A single mom who spent years giving back during the holidays now finds herself needing help this Christmas.
After years of being able to provide gifts for needy children, along with her supporting her own “four beautiful boys,” the mother lost her job during the pandemic this year and is barely getting by.
Now, she is looking for help from Item Santa to provide her family with the same generosity she was able to bestow on so many other people over the years.
“Never in my life, after working for over 30 years in corporate America, have I ever thought that I would be unemployed,” the mother wrote. “As a mom who put together toy drives for children for many years and traveled to New York year after year during the holidays to work on toy drives for the company that laid us off, (it has been) extremely devastating.”
The mother said her children, ages 3, 5, 9, and 13, are grateful for whatever they receive during the holidays and for each day, but she still feels horrible that she will not be able to provide them with the gifts they want this Christmas, “as we are in this awful pandemic.”
For someone who prided herself on being in a position to help others in past years, the mother said she is “embarrassed to ask for help,” but noted that she is struggling to keep up with her household bills.
“I promise that once I am back on my feet I will be giving back like I did for over 20 years,” the mother said. “I am embarrassed to ask for help as I am always the one that helped other families. I would really be grateful for any help that you can give us during this time in need.”
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.
