Christmas time, for many, evokes a feeling of warmth and comfort— home cooked meals, loved ones gathering under the same roof, children rushing to open their presents. For some, this imagery is a reality, for others, unfortunately it’s a distant fantasy.
One mother said she came to Massachusetts from Florida with her disabled mother and infant child to escape a domestic violence situation at home. Her decision to leave her home and travel North was for her and her family’s safety, but the move, she said, came with hard financial times.
“Sadly, due to her [the mother’s] condition neither of us have been able to work, so we blew right through our savings paying off credit cards,” The woman said. “Now, every little bit of money we receive goes to paying rent and utilities.”
Two weeks ago, the woman, who is currently searching for a remote job that would allow her to work and take care of her mother and baby, spends every cent she can find keeping a roof over her family’s head.
“Now every little bit of money we receive goes to paying rent and utilities,” The woman said. “I’ve been searching for a remote job that allows me to take care of them both while doing the job effectively.”
Nobody should have to choose between protecting and feeding his or her family, and celebrating Christmas. That’s why, with your help, Item Santa, through the Salvation Army, aims to help families turn what for some would be a fantasy Christmas, into a reality.
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.
If you can, please help this woman support her infant child and disabled mother on a day that, for many, is about warmth and family.
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.
“This will be my baby’s first Christmas and I want to make it a memorable moment. Please help me make it so,” The woman said.
