PEABODY — A young Peabody girl will see her Christmas wish come true this year thanks to Item Santa.
Danyelle Williams wrote a letter to Item Santa last month on behalf of her 5-year-old granddaughter, Ayvah Gomez, who simply asked for a gift on Christmas.
Williams and her wife of 13 years, Brenda Williams, have raised their granddaughter for the last five years at their Peabody home. Ayvah, a pre-K student at Welch Elementary School, calls Danyelle “papa” and Brenda “nana.”
Item Santa helps families in need each year by allowing people to contribute to the fund that the Salvation Army uses to purchase toys and other necessities so families can enjoy the holidays without accumulating more debt.
“She wasn’t specific with what she wanted but said as long as she received something she would be happy with that because she knew we couldn’t afford to get toys like that for her,” Danyelle said. “Bills come first.”
Ayvah’s wishes were granted; she will pick up her toys from the Salvation Army next week, which Danyelle said “is a big help for us.”
The couple took Ayvah in because her father, Danyelle’s son, is going through some issues and not working. Ayvah’s mother is trying to get her life straightened out, having landed a job in the past six months and is trying to save enough money to get an apartment and get her daughter back, according to Danyelle.
Taking on Ayvah was an unplanned extra responsibility for the couple, who already struggles financially. Danyelle said she’s on disability, but works part-time throughout the holiday season for the Salvation Army in Lynn, in addition to her part-time job for the Meals on Wheels program through North Shore Elder Services, to make ends meet.
She has been a volunteer at Salvation Army for seven years. She got involved with the organization and church because a friend of hers used to be on the street, but got herself clean and became a pastor there. Her friend encouraged her to check it out.
In addition to Ayvah picking up her toys next week at the Salvation Army, she will also be helping Danyelle give out toys and gifts to other kids like herself, who were in need of help to make their holidays a little brighter.
“I struggled financially growing up as well, but it’s all about coming out of it and doing what you can to help other people who are in the struggle,” Danyelle said. “When people are feeling down and there’s nowhere else to turn, there’s a place and it’s the Salvation Army.”
Now in its 52nd 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, P.O. Box 5, Lynn, MA 01903. You can visit itemsanta.org to make a donation online.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2019, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.
Those 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 should be directed to Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.