There’s a line in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” that always resonates when the Item Santa fund starts asking for donations.
It has to do with the meaning of the term “surplus population,” as uttered by Ebenezer Scrooge. When two gentlemen come to Scrooge’s place of business to seek donations, Scrooge says they should go to prisons and workhouses. When he’s told many needy people would rather die than do that, Scrooge replies, “if they should like to die, then let them do so and decrease the surplus population.”
Later, when Scrooge sees firsthand the ravages of poverty and ignorance, the spirit repeats his words back to him.
“Are there no prisons,” the spirit asks Scrooge. “Are there no workhouses?”
People in need — the so-called “surplus population” — have that disadvantage 365 days a year, not just at Christmas time. It’s just that during those 31-odd days that begin in November and end on Dec. 25, that need becomes magnified. The rest of the world is making merry, to use a term from Dickens’ time, while nothing changes for them. They have to choose between food and fuel, or clothing and transportation. It can be a desperate life.
“I am currently only employed part-time,” the letter begins, “so income is up and down.
“Struggles are weekly,” the letter goes on, “with two (children), bills, etc. Never mind the holidays.”
This person falls into a category that might define the “surplus population.” She’s doing the best she can, but all she is doing is falling further behind. She isn’t even thinking about toys under the Christmas tree, or any luxury like that. All she wants to do is take care of her family.
“Any help would be greatly appreciated,” she concludes.
For 58 years, the Item Santa has tried its best to make the “surplus population’s” lives a little brighter this time of the year. While we realize that our efforts aren’t going to result in many computers, cameras or high-end toys for people, we can make a difference in other ways. Perhaps it’s a pair of gloves. Or a nice shirt. Socks. Shoes. An overcoat. Some books to read. All we want to do is allow needy children to see something on Christmas morning that’s uniquely theirs.
We hope you can see your way clear to donate to the fund to help that become possible.]
To donate, clip the coupon in The Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, PO Box 5, Lynn, MA 01903.
There is also a way to donate online, and have your contributions acknowledged, just click on the following link: salvationarmyma.org/itemsanta.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2024, 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.
