LYNN — The Lynn Salvation Army has been distributing hundreds of Christmas toys to local families out of its community center on Franklin Street this week.
The toy options include stuffed animals, toy cars, painting kits, and more for a variety of ages. They were purchased by the Salvation Army and largely from funds collected by The Daily Item’s holiday initiative Item Santa.
According to Lynn Salvation Army Commanding Officer Stephanie Garces-Villegas, this year, toy donations are serving local 800 families.
“This helps families when they are between paying a bill or giving a toy to their children. This way, they can cover their basic needs and can get something beautiful for their children on Christmas,” Garces-Villegas said.
On Tuesday, Mayor Jared Nicholson, Rep. Dan Cahill, Rep. Sean Reid, and Ward 5 Councilor-elect Cardeliz Paez stopped by the Franklin Street warehouse to show their support for the toy distribution.
Nicholson said, “We want everyone in our community to feel supported this time of year, and this can be a hard time of year for those who are struggling to make ends meet. We’re grateful to partner with the Salvation Army to help make the holidays special for everybody.”
Cahill said, “This time of year, it boils down to letting families be families and having kids have that special Christmas, and having parents feel like they were able to provide.”
Reid said, “We can’t do it without amazing partners like the Salvation Army and so many other local organizations who are stepping up this time of year when need is particularly high.”
Paez said, “There are a lot of families that are going through tough situations right now, so it’s important that we all support our community.”
Meanwhile, Lynn Salvation Army Commanding Officer Enmanuel Villegas spoke about the impact the toy donations are having on local families this year.
“Need has no season. This is an opportunity to show that The Salvation Army, alongside these partners, are here to meet the needs of everyone in our community,” Villegas said.
