A song popularized by American singer Andy Williams says the Christmas holiday season is the “most wonderful time of the year.”
Unlike the song’s lyrics, this year isn’t about caroling, marshmallow toasting, or kids jingle belling. With so many families struggling to make ends meet in a challenging economy with limited resources, this Christmas season isn’t even close to being the “hap-happiest season of them all.”
Instead, this holiday is about families who are desperately trying to find money to make sure their children wake up Christmas morning and see presents under the tree.
With inflation in the United States at a 40-plus year high, more families than ever are struggling to pay rent and buy basic groceries. For many of them, there isn’t a penny left to give their children a happy holiday.
That’s where Item Santa comes in, which for the past 55 years has made sure as many families as possible can make their children’s holiday dreams come true. Item Santa is all about doing whatever it takes to make sure that those in need have a memorable and happy Christmas.
A stay-at-home mother of “three beautiful children” recently wrote to Item Santa and shared her story.
“It’s difficult for me to pay for toys for my children, mostly because everything has gotten so expensive this year,” she said.
She said one daughter is hoping for a Gabby Dollhouse and toys and the other one loves all-things Frozen. They, along with their new baby brother, are also in dire need of new clothing, shoes, coats and boots.
“I would just like to see a smile on my children’s faces and be able to feel that joy with them on Christmas Day,” the mother said.
Now in its 56th 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 2023, 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.
