After an initially promising start to the year, one parent is devastated to realize this holiday season may be even more difficult than the last.
“I am writing this letter not wanting to because I thought this year would be a different year,” this parent wrote. “Our beginning of 2020 was not so bad because of unemployment benefits, but that has passed.”
Although the family has struggled to make ends meet in previous years, the recent death of a loved one has only added to their financial burdens.
“The bills (are) stacking back up,” the parent said. “Last year we lost my sister and have been helping with her two boys as well. I am a (Supplemental Security Income recipient) and have a limited income as it is, so the holiday season is always tough.”
They added that money has gotten so tight, the family has been forced to move to a smaller apartment in need of many repairs, and their eldest son must sleep in a room that’s constantly freezing thanks to a broken window that the family can’t afford to repair.
This parent hopes the generosity of Item Santa will help them to purchase much-needed winter wear for their growing boys.
“This year we had to take a much smaller apartment and there is no insulation — very old windows,” they wrote. “Both boys have grown out of their clothes and have very few clothes that fit, which led to winter jackets on Black Friday last year. I got great deals, but things aren’t looking as promising this 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.
For more than a half century, Item Santa has drawn on the goodwill of so many to lift people from want and worry into the holiday’s bright warm glow. Providing that helping hand could not be more vital this year with the need so great during the months-long pandemic.
Item Santa has counted for decades on the help of so many. This year, maybe like no other, it needs the help of so many.
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:// www. itemlive.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.
