Making ends meet has become harder than ever this year.
We’ve all heard the stories — supply chain issues fueling rising costs of goods and services, all while the specter of a deadly disease still looms large. That’s led to a scenario where many parents across the nation, in particular working-class families, have to make an impossible choice: ensure there is food on the table and that their bills are paid, or supply gifts for their children.
It’s a choice no parent should have to make, and yet, it’s one that is more resonant than ever before. A single mother of two boys wrote to Item Santa, explaining that she was in a similar predicament. Only working part-time, she wrote in her letter, has made it especially challenging to ensure her children can celebrate.
“I want to be able to provide a nice Christmas for my boys,” she wrote. “Working part-time with only one income it’s always a struggle around the holidays having extra money for gifts after paying bills.”
“Any help would be a big blessing to my family and a big help,” she added. “Thank you and God bless.”
It’s not a big ask. No family should have to sit their children down on Christmas morning and explain why Santa couldn’t bring them presents this year. Instead, Christmas morning should be time for celebration — kids tearing off wrapping paper to reveal the very gifts they’ve wanted all year, eliciting shouts of delight and smiles on the faces of parents.
That’s where Item Santa comes in. With your help, families won’t have to make that choice, and they can celebrate the holidays free of some of the worries that plague them. After all, one thing we can all agree on is that families, especially those with young children, should be able to pay their bills, put food on the table, and make sure they have a very merry Christmas.
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.
