A Lynn woman’s 4-year-old son is very focused on staying on Santa’s good side this year.
“After Thanksgiving, Santa’s coming so I have to be good so I don’t get cold rock for Christmas,” the boy will often tell his mom. He means coal.
His mother wants to give him something special (not cold rock) for Christmas, but this might be difficult for her because she has had a tough year.
She lost her job because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been living in a family shelter. Her son’s school closed and, as a single mother, she has to stay home full-time to take care of him and hasn’t been able to apply for another job.
After a hard year for her and her son, she wants to be able to reward him with a gift he really cares about.
“It’s funny how aware kids are,” she writes. “Especially during this time of year.”
Imagine this boy’s disappointment if he woke up this Christmas morning to a stocking filled with cold rock, and his joy if he received something he really wanted.
“God bless to all the people participating in this program and reading this letter,” she writes. “Stay safe and know that all your hard work matters and is really making a difference in someone’s life.”
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.
