As we all know, the holiday season can be a stressful time for one’s finances. When you’re a young mother with another child on the way, those stresses can be too much to bear at times.
“I have a young child and I’m pregnant with another, and I can’t work because of the child care,” said the mother. “Daycare would be much too expensive, and my entire paycheck would go right to that.”
The young mother’s husband works to help supplement the bills, but his seasonal landscaping job doesn’t have consistent enough hours at this time of year due to the snow and cold.
And to top it all off, it’s the Christmas season. Her desire to be able to afford gifts for her child and still be able to pay the bills is a strong one, but she simply doesn’t see any way to make it work financially.
“We’re currently already very tight financially,” said the young mother. “If I could just be able to afford some gifts while still keeping up with rent, bills and food, I’d be incredibly grateful.”
Now in its 55th 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, 85 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901.You can also donate online through the Salvation Army at itemsanta.org.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2022, 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.