It is important to understand that for many families, this will be a holiday during hard times.
This year has brought challenges for parents trying to provide for their children, ranging from keeping them safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, having to deal with loss of a loved one or trying to put food on the dinner table as prices for goods rise.
One mother who wrote to Item Santa says that she is struggling to make ends meet, and wants to bring some joy to her two children.
Both of her children, a 5-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl, want a bike and balance bike respectively. During the pandemic, however, she says that her husband’s work hours and salary have decreased and that important necessities are becoming more expensive.
“All the prices like food and my rent are rising,” she said. “ In addition, I don’t have any work, so it is a hard time for me during these two years.”
This mother is not alone in her story, as many parents have been trying to work their hardest for their children, and yet her situation speaks volumes about what is happening in the world right now.
It has become difficult for some families to not only find jobs, but to find food and shelter; parents who want to provide the best for children are going through struggles in order to protect and nurture their children.
It goes back to what this mother said in her letter to Item Santa, that these days, she and her family are going through hard times.
Hard times are two words that any person can relate to, no matter who they are or where they live. For some, hard times mean that they lost their job and for others, hard times translate to trying to help others in need. For this mother, the hard times are in trying to provide the best for her children, particularly during this holiday season.
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.
There is also a way to donate online through the Salvation Army at itemsanta.org.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through 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.