The last two years have been difficult and different for a lot of people, since we have all been dealing with the restrictions, risks and hardships of a global pandemic.
But life went on, bringing moments of joy to many as well as unexpected blows to some.
One family that wrote to the Item Santa has had a tough 2021 after being displaced by a house fire. The fire ravaged their family home on Valentine’s Day of this year, destroying everything a mother and her two children had.
They lived a humble life in a two-bedroom apartment that was just enough for their little family. She had made it cozy and warm, decorating the walls with her children’s drawings.
However, after the fire, their home was deemed unlivable. And bad luck has not left them alone. Soon after the fire, the mother lost her job and was not able to afford a place to live for her family.
They were forced to seek any option available and have been staying at a family shelter on Broad Street ever since.
Not having good homeowner’s insurance, the mother had to replace their belongings lost to the fire on her own and pay for day-to-day expenses. This led her to $4000 of credit card debt and no way to save for a little Christmas celebration and presents for her children.
“The holidays are around the corner and I have no idea how to be able to make Christmas magical,” she wrote.
Her kids have been through a lot this year, she said, and she desperately wanted to make their Christmas morning wonderful so they could feel happy and loved.
The shelter and its staff have been good to the family, the mother said. The children have a place to sleep and they have been healthy. However, the mother does hope that the Item Santa will be able to make her children’s holiday season special and as normal as it can be given the circumstances.
“I am truly grateful for any help you can provide,” she said, hoping her children would get some presents they can unwrap and appreciate from Santa this Christmas.
Now in its 55th 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, 85 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901.
There is also a way to donate online through the Salvation Army at itemsanta.org.
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.
Alena Kuzub can be reached at [email protected].
