A song popularized by Perry Como that is traditionally associated with Christmas tells us “there’s no place like home for the holidays.”
What if you have no home? What if after finally finding a home after years of homelessness, you lose your job and cannot imagine how you will be able to keep up with your bills, feed your family and give your loved ones a happy Christmas?
A single mother of three knows just how difficult it can be during these trying times and is finally ready, after three long years of living in homeless shelters, to be able to celebrate Christmas in her own home, but still needs your help to give her family a happy holiday.
The mother says that she has been struggling with homelessness since 2009. For the last three years she has been living in a scattered-site shelter in Beverly that was later moved to Salem. In July, she obtained a Section 8 voucher, which allowed her to find a home in Lynn. Just when things were finally going in the right direction, she lost her job due to the pandemic.
“I am struggling to keep up with food, my phone, car insurance and gas for my vehicle,” she wrote to Item Santa. “With the holidays right around the corner, I was trying to create an emergency savings account, but due to being a low-income mom, I haven’t been able to.
“I wanted to know if there is any way you can help me out this holiday to help my family have a nice Christman holiday in our own home after living in shelters.”
The mom said her 16-year-old son loves football and basketball and would love to have clothes, sneakers and sports video games. Her 11-year-old son’s wish list includes remote-control cars and Legos, while her seven-year-old daughter hopes for anything to do with baby dolls, arts and crafts and board games.
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 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.