A mother’s work is never done, and that goes double for grandmothers.
In times of strife that overcome even a mother’s capacity to keep her young ones from harm, grandmothers are there to step in and soothe the cares of child and grandchild alike, whether it’s going to bat against wrongdoers or providing cookies and sympathy. For this reason, the weight of the world is often on a grandmother’s shoulders ― while they may not always show it.
One such grandma wrote to Item Santa recently to express some worries she has about the upcoming holidays.
“This past year hasn’t been easy,” the woman said, explaining that her daughter recently got out of an abusive relationship ― three months before her son was born. Daughter and grandson both moved in with the woman, who serves as legal guardian of the grandson. They share a space with the woman’s husband and their two younger children, ages 13 and 18.
The family is weathering the storm together under the care and compassion of their matriarch and patriarch, and their oldest daughter is out of harm’s way. But that doesn’t make their situation any easier. The grandson’s father is in jail, and “my husband and I are the only ones working to provide for our family of six,” the grandmother confided.
While many families would simply forego creature comforts and endure the bitterness that comes with misfortune, this woman wanted something more for her children and baby grandchild. And that’s why she wrote to Item Santa: to provide gifts and holiday cheer for her family and end a difficult year with something sweet and memorable.
Because that’s what grandmothers are for. They don’t just put a Band-Aid over a cut; they kiss it to make it better. They don’t just prepare baked goods; they let their grandkids lick the batter. Everything’s a little more fun at grandma’s house for a reason.
Beyond helping to provide for their children and grandchildren’s essential needs, they are there to sprinkle some sugar on top, go the extra mile, and make sure that life is not just bearable, but a little bit magical.
To help this grandmother make Christmas magical for her family, clip the coupon that is inside the paper, fill out the form, and mail it 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.
This is the 55th year the Item Santa has been in existence. If you haven’t participated up to now, this would be a great time to start.
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.
