LYNN–For many parents, giving their children a memorable and happy Christmas Day means the world.
Children grow more excited by the day around this time of year, looking forward to Santa Claus’ annual visit. Parents and guardians work hard to match this excitement and hope by creating a holiday their children will remember for years to come.
However, not every family can deliver a great Christmas to their children without some help.
The Item and the Salvation Army continue the effort to help families who are in need of help this time of year from donations of kind strangers all around the North Shore through Item Santa’s 51st year.
Take for instance the story of one single mother to three amazing boys who she wants to give the Christmas they deserve.
“Having to explain to my 13-year-old that mom doesn’t make enough money to get all three of them gifts and that he might have to wait till after Christmas is really heart breaking,” she writes.
Another mom, who has a 3-year-old son and is currently struggling to find work during her current pregnancy needs help to give him a great Christmas.
“He’s an amazing kid and just like him I want his favorite holiday to be amazing,” she writes. “I am asking for your help please, it would mean anything and everything to us.”
To make a direct donation to Item Santa, clip the coupon in today’s Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, P. O. Box 951, Lynn, MA 01903.
To contribute online, go to www.itemsanta.org, where you can make a donation via credit card.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2018, along with a brief message from each donor, if they desire.
Anyone interested in signing up to collect at Santa Island or any business willing to sell 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 and should be directed to Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.