It’s hard to argue that there is a more magical time of year than Christmas, especially for the young ones. When else do you see whole neighborhoods transformed into displays of jubilant characters and twinkling color, or whole towns coming together to share in the timeless joy that comes when a regular evergreen tree alights into a monument of holiday grandeur?
And then there’s the man himself — Santa Claus. The mythical hero promises to deliver to every child, no matter who they are, gifts under their Christmas tree. For millions of children in this country, this promise comes as a respite from wearisome living situations in an unstable household.
For one mother who can’t work because she takes care of her children alone, this is especially true. She told us that her children are already excited for Christmas Day to find what gifts Santa has brought them.
We are now asking that for this holiday season, you remember what it felt like as a child in those weeks leading up to the big day, dreaming of that irresistible moment when life becomes magic and you wake up on the morning of Christmas to find out that, once again, Santa hasn’t forgotten about you.
Through the Item Santa, you now have the chance to help a struggling mother recreate this moment of unadulterated cheer that every child deserves to have. With your donation, you can make sure that this family isn’t being forgotten and allow them to feel the relieving joy of the holiday spirit.
Now in its 58th 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, 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 2025, 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.
