It may be impossible to ever truly understand the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on every corner of our society. Everything from months of isolation to wearing masks everywhere to the specter of disease looming in the back of everyone’s mind, it’s safe to say the pandemic uprooted society as we knew it entirely, and flipped it on its head.
Supply chain issues, sky-high gas prices, inflation, and setbacks in children’s development, all of it can be traced back to COVID-19. While most of the world around us seems to have moved on, with mask mandates seemingly gone for good, and stores opening their doors. But, it hasn’t been easy for some families, who are still trying to make their way back to normal, slowly but surely after two years of pandemic life.
That scenario is a reality for this mother of three, who wrote to Item Santa to share that her family had struggled during the pandemic, and even though things were improving, they still need your help.
“I am a mother of three beautiful children. It’s been a tough two years for us, but slowly things are getting better,” she wrote.
Her children “enjoy school and playing,” but her 2-year-old son’s development has been delayed, leading the family to believe “there is a possibility of autism.” All she wants is to see smiles on her children’s faces this Christmas.
“Please help me this Christmas to see my children happy,” she wrote.
The idea of a Christmas without gifts is one no parent wants to comprehend, and yet, it’s one many parents who have reached out to Item Santa this year, including this mother of three, are facing. That’s where Item Santa comes in — with your help, we can make sure families in our community have the opportunity to have a merry Christmas, and after all, that’s what the holidays are all about. Not just celebrating your own family, but making sure you get in the Holiday spirt and give back.
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.
