Instead of starting her letter by talking about her circumstances, this 10-year-old girl began it with a “thank you” to the Item and the Salvation Army for this program.
As you might imagine, letters such as this are both heartening and heart-breaking. In the former case, what a gracious way to begin a letter asking for help. And in the latter case, it’s very sad that a person that young is compelled to ask Item Santa for help.
Think back to when you were 10. Wasn’t Christmas an endless smorgasbord of food ― both good and bad ― awe, wonder, beauty, music, and perhaps a bit of religion, too? Wasn’t it all capped off by the almost breathless anticipation of what Christmas morning will bring?
This little girl wants a Christmas like that too, only her family’s circumstances won’t allow it. This is a particularly telling situation because both parents work.
“Thank you for having this program,” she begins. She goes on to say that her father sells real estate, but business for him is slow. Plus, as he gets paid commission only, he cannot count on a steady income.
“Sometimes,” the girl writes, “he doesn’t get paid at all.”
Her mother’s Social Security was discontinued in May, but she’s working a part-time job. Between the two of them, they can just about scrape up enough money to pay the rent in most months.
That doesn’t leave much left over for Christmas presents, does it?
The girl ends the letter as she begins it.
“Thank you for any toys you can provide.”
There’s something very touching about this letter. The girl seems resigned to the fact that Christmas morning will be without the awe, wonder, beauty, music, and good food. She’ll be happy if she sees anything that she doesn’t expect.
To borrow Montell Jordan’s popular song, which has now turned into a popular commercial with Shaquille O’Neal, “this is why we do it.” This is why we read all those letters and act on them. Situations like this, which represent the classic definition of “working poor,” seem to resonate in today’s economy.
Item Santa doesn’t want to leave anyone behind. And he certainly doesn’t want to see boys and girls go without at Christmas due to circumstances they cannot control.
It doesn’t take much to provide people with a little warmth and happiness when their lives are fraught with poverty and uncertainty. We hope you can find it in your hearts to see that this little girl, and so many others like her, can experience the awe, wonder, beauty and happiness of 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 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.
