Item Santa hears more often from mothers than fathers and that’s understandable. Sometimes, mothers are raising children on their own; other times, they are just the ones in charge of taking care of the Christmas preparations or are more likely to ask for help.    

Today’s letter that we would like to share with you is from a dad, a single father of two young children. He is writing that his son is 8 years old and his daughter is 5. 

This year has been hard on them because the father lost his job when the company he worked for closed. It was challenging to find another job, he said, because at the time the children were not going to school. The family was forced to fall behind on bills.

However, the man felt obligated to continue to pay at least half of his unemployment income to his landlord for rent. Being in this difficult financial situation, he is not able to afford Christmas presents for his children this year and he is asking Item Santa “to be considered to receive help.”

This letter came in just in time for the beginning of the toy distribution at the Lynn Salvation Army on Monday. Let’s make it last until every mother and father in need has an opportunity to stop by and pick up some presents for their children.

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 2022, 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.