There is nothing more dignified than starting a new job.
You provide the best for others through service, charity, time and, as the holidays roll around, you can put your feet up and relax. It’s a time best spent with family and friends, where you can be proud of all the hard work you have done over the past year.
For others, however, starting a new job may not be enough to provide for one’s family during the holidays.
Some do not earn enough to pay for food, heat or a home, despite how hard they work. Some may be so new that they have not even received their first paycheck. One mother who wrote to Item Santa is in this position.
This mother is living in a family shelter and has just started her new job. Even though she is training for employment, she has not received payment. As the months grow colder, she is worried she can’t afford food or transportation.
“This year has been harder than others,” she said, “We have little to no family and still reside in a family shelter here in Lynn and are just getting by.”
This mother says that she does not want much for the holidays, only to give her daughter a good Christmas.
The dignity of work is to provide for your family and loved ones even in the toughest of times.
Imagine if you were in the shoes of this mother and you worked tirelessly for your daughter. You do not have a home of your own and worry about the weather getting worse. The best thing you can do is work hard, because the efforts of your work will help provide at least some sort of joy in her life. But what if, in spite of all that’s at stake, your job has yet to repay you?
Everyone, at some point in their lives, will work hard no matter what job they have. In work, there is dignity in what you do. This mother, who wants to give her daughter a good Christmas, should get the respect and honor she has earned.
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.