This year has been filled with constant reminders about the state of the economy and how challenging it has become for ordinary families to get by. No matter what national forecasts or economic indicators suggest, many people are feeling the strain more intensely than ever.
Stretching a paycheck to cover an “old-fashioned” Christmas has become harder, not easier, for countless households.
More families find themselves swept up in an economic undertow that forces tough choices about where every dollar must go. The year 2025 has been no exception. Many in our community feel as though they are working harder simply to keep pace with rising costs.
That’s why this, the 59th season of Item Santa, may be among the most vital in the program’s long history.
Item Santa began in Lynn in 1966, born out of the spirit of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. The Item originally managed all aspects of the effort, but in the early 1970s, it partnered with The Salvation Army to expand its reach. Since then, Item Santa has collected donations while the Salvation Army purchases and distributes toys and essentials to approved families in the area.
While unemployment has trended downward in recent years, inflation has cut deeply into household budgets. Even families with stable jobs are struggling to meet basic needs, let alone set aside anything for holiday gifts.
This is where the community steps in.
Item Santa continues to be a lifeline for families who find this season emotionally and financially overwhelming. With higher prices touching everything from groceries to rent, more children are at risk of waking up on Christmas morning without presents—without even the comfort of a warm, joyful holiday.
The need today is extraordinary. Some families have lived on the edge for years; others are experiencing financial hardship for the first time.
Many households are only one or two missed paychecks away from crisis.
Capt. Enmanuel Villegas of the Lynn Salvation Army emphasizes that there is no barrier to who can receive assistance: the focus is purely on meeting essential needs. The application process for this year has already concluded; approved families now wait for the arrival of toys and donated items at the Salvation Army’s Franklin Street location.
Beginning today and continuing through the week after Christmas, The Item will once again accept donations for the Item Santa Fund.
To contribute, please mail your donation along with the printed coupon to:
The Item Salvation Army Santa
PO Box 5
Lynn, MA 01903
Online contributions can also be made at salvationarmyma.org/itemsanta, where donors may choose to have their names acknowledged. All donations will be printed in The Item throughout December and into early 2026, with space for a brief message from donors who wish to include one.
Here is our first story, submitted to us from the Salvation Army:
A Mother’s Plea: “I just want them to wake up smiling.”
Among the many letters that arrive each year, some shine a light on the harsh realities many families face. One local mother shared a story that reflects the struggles of so many in our community.
She begins her letter with a simple, painful truth:
“Dear Santa, this year has been one of the most difficult ones, with living costs being so high and the cost of food being very expensive. I have three children. My son has ADHD and OCD.”
She explains that her children’s father died three years ago, leaving her to shoulder every responsibility alone.
“There are days where I am only able to give white rice and eggs for dinner because food is so scarce, or just plain spaghetti with hot dogs. I work full time, but rent, food, and basic needs is something I can’t meet on a daily basis.”
Her situation worsened when her building was sold with almost no notice.
“My building was sold, and I got a 30-day notice before the holidays. … I am going from paying $2,000 a month to $3,200 a month. Sometimes, I think soon I will be sleeping in my car or under a bridge with my kids.”
Yet despite facing overwhelming pressure, she speaks with gratitude and love for her children.
“They are good kids and not needy or materialistic. They are happy with a ball that is $1.”
And finally, she shares the wish that brought her to Item Santa:
“I would love to put a smile on their faces, and they wake up on Christmas morning with at least a few gifts under the tree to unwrap. That, for me, would be the best Christmas. Thank you, Santa.”
Her words remind us why this program has lasted 59 years — and why it must continue.
