Everywhere around us we are seeing the cost of items increase.
Whether you are at the gas pump, the grocery store, or a convenience store, families are being forced to shell out more and more for everyday essentials. It is impacting all of us, but some more than others.
A mother who wrote to Item Santa has been forced to make many sacrifices these last few years. In 2020, her son wanted a Christmas gift but they were unable to afford it. The family needed to cut down on their cost of living and expenses.
Every child deserves to feel the rush of opening that special present. While the gift has monetary value it also provides the entire family with something much more valuable: a memory which will last a lifetime.
Now that this mother is having another child, the budget crunch only increases. Currently, the family of four has only one bedroom for the entire family. With another baby on the way, the mother said they need to make a bedroom for the new baby, which they currently cannot afford.
Having a child is supposed to be a time of excitement and joy. Bringing someone into the world who you can call your own is one of the most precious gifts we have as human beings. Parents should not be worried about whether their newborn will have their own room to sleep in.
This family deserves to spend the holidays enjoying the company of one another. They should be drinking hot chocolate while spending quality time together. Hopefully, with the help of Item Santa, those dreams will become a reality, and this family can welcome their new child into their life just as they intended.
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.You can also 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.