By THOR JOURGENSEN
Today, the Item and The Salvation Army begin fundraising for the 50th annual Item Santa drive. This year, more than ever, we need the public’s help. Christmas is a month away, and beginning today, we ask for donations of any amount to help ensure that thousands of Lynn and Lynn-area children in need will not be forgotten on Christmas Day.
The annual drive also gets help from major sponsors such as the GE Good Neighbors Fund, Connell Limited Partnership and David Solimine Sr.’s Santa Island collection teams. Once again, our goal is to eclipse the $100,000 mark in donations.
The Santa fund began with the Gamage Family, former owners of the newspaper, and was continued by Essex Media Group upon its purchase of the Item in 2014.
It was also a favorite project of the late John S. Moran, the Item’s executive editor until his death in 1990. Under Moran, who received the Salvation Army’s Others Award for his efforts, the fund grew exponentially.
In its inaugural year, the fund raised $3,269 ($23,564 in 2015 dollars) to provide holiday meals to families in need, delivered by a handful of Item managers and volunteers. The drive took off after the Item teamed with The Salvation Army about 10 years into the program.
The highest total came in 2002, when donations reached $144,880. The fund stayed over $100,000 until 2013 when it dipped under. Our goal to get the fund back up over the $100,000 mark.
Every cent raised by the Item Santa fund goes directly to families in need for toys, shoes, clothes and food. While the Item spearheads fundraising and publicity for the drive, the Salvation Army runs the program and distributes age-appropriate children’s gifts to parents and guardians (two toys per child), during a weeklong distribution period in mid-December. This year distribution will be by appointment
If you want to make a direct donation to Item Santa, download the coupon and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, P.O. Box 5, Lynn, MA 01903.
This year, we have several other ways to donate. To contribute online, go to www.itemsanta.org, where donations can be made via credit card.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2017, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.
Those interested in signing up to solicit donations at Santa Island on Broadway running into Wyoma Square or any business willing to raise funds by selling stockings should contact David Solimine Sr. or Joel Solimine at 781-595-1492.
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.