A single mother has been struggling to make ends meet for her three children since losing her job this year, and she is looking for some support to ensure the pandemic doesn’t put a damper on their Christmas as well.
“This year, I was laid off from my job, a position I held for over 10 years,” said the mother. “COVID-19 has impacted my family immensely. (My son) has always expressed much enthusiasm for Christmas, as it is one of his favorite holidays.”
The mother said her youngest son, age 6, loves everything about the Christmas season. It’s not uncommon to find him playing in the snow, wearing fuzzy pajamas or watching classic holiday films, such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and the “Polar Express,” she said.
But it’s the sight of presents beneath the family’s Christmas tree that really makes the child’s eyes glow every year, she said, noting that she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to provide him with the gifts he so richly deserves this year.
Each year, her son’s Christmas list is long, filled with games and toys, such as Minecraft, Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog and Roblox. Her son is a dedicated student, and his love of video games is accompanied by his thirst for education, she said, noting that her son’s motivation to complete his schoolwork has not been impacted by having to learn remotely this year.
“I am very proud of my son,” the mother said. “Though, as the holidays approach swiftly, I grow uncertain that I will be able to provide the Christmas of his dreams, like he deserves.”
The mother said she fears that if her family does not receive any help this year from Item Santa, their Christmas will follow the unfortunate trend that has started since the birth of her youngest son.
“Every year since he was born, there has been less under our roof and our tree,” she said. “There is nothing more frightening than knowing you do not earn enough to purchase gifts for your children, ones which they deserve. The biggest fear I have as a parent is knowing you may disappoint your children.”
The pandemic may have cost the mother a full-time job that she held for more than a decade and cost her children a chance to celebrate Halloween this year, but she said she is determined to do everything in her power to make sure it doesn’t take away her family’s Christmas holiday as well.
“I do not wish for further disappointment throughout the holiday season,” the mother said. “I commend the efforts Item Santa has done for decades in support of low-income families, like my own, and I hope you can be of assistance this Christmas for (my son) and me.”
Now in its 54th 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, PO Box 5, Lynn, MA 01903.
There is also a way to donate online and have your contributions acknowledged. Just click on the following link: https://newitemlive.wpengine.com/itemsanta.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2021, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.
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.