LYNN — With inflation at a near 40-year high, families that may have been able to support themselves four years ago now struggle to make ends meet.
As the average cost of living increases, wage cuts or a sick child can wreak havoc on a household’s financial situation.
One family of six — three daughters and one son — is struggling to keep their heads above water this holiday season as the bills get larger and the work hours get cut shorter.
“I am not really getting any hours of work, since they cut them,” one of the parents said. “Inflation has impacted us and most of our money goes to bills.”
The son frequently falls ill, and the boy’s two sisters have stepped up to help the family.
“My son is constantly sick, so I have to sacrifice a bit of money to buy medicine for him,” the parent said. “Me and my daughters do our best to support each other and our family.”
This family deserves the joyful, warm and exciting Christmas that most children look forward to.
“My son is really into cars, fire trucks, you name it. He likes things he can really interact with,” the parent said. “My other youngest is into making her own jewelry and crafts.”
If you want this little boy to get a firetruck under the tree this Christmas, or his sisters to smile as they see arts and crafts kits, please donate to the Item Santa Fund.
Now in its 56th year, the Item Santa fund helps to make Christmas brighter for those in need. 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.
You can also donate online through the Salvation Army at itemsanta.org.
Every cent raised by the Item Santa fund goes directly to families in need of toys, shoes, clothes and food.
While The Item acts as the drive’s principal fundraiser, the Salvation Army handles the requests by people in the community for toys, clothing and other necessities. The Salvation Army also procures the toys and organizes their distribution. 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.
