Rent, gas, electricity, groceries. There isn’t a single expense that has been spared by the relentless force of inflation this year. With the holiday season fast approaching, these rising costs are affecting those in need more than ever.
Although the world continues to emerge from the pandemic, its effects are still being felt by many families, and will be amplified this December. While some families will be enjoying a full table of food at their holiday dinners, a number of other families will be wondering how they will be able to obtain meals. Some will be enjoying their kids’ smiles as they open presents, while others will be dreading the morning that their kids will be waking up to on Christmas with nothing under the tree.
It’s easy to say that the holidays are the best time of the year, but in reality, it can be one of the most financially and mentally stressful seasons, especially for parents who have been forced to miss time at work due to pregnancy, injury, or illness.
Even with the societal and financial advances that have been made in the last few decades, the fact of the matter is that too many people are still working for wages that cannot give them the means to keep up with rising costs of the necessities of life.
There is also little to no support system for many workers who are forced to miss time. They are already working extreme hours to try and make ends meet, and if they fall sick or become injured, then they fall further behind. That is the case of a single mother of two who is struggling with an injury that is keeping her from making enough to cover basic human needs.
“I am currently not working due to a physical issue with my back,” she said. “I’m currently behind on every bill and really struggling to just afford basic needs.”
Children are everything to their parents, and all this mother wants is for her kids to be happy during Christmas. She hopes that Santa will stop by with and leave some presents for them.
“I really want them to have a good Christmas and have some gifts to open from Santa,” she 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.
