Christmas is a time for giving and receiving gifts among family and friends. However, many families struggle during this time of the year.

“My household is one of the ones with low income,” a mother of two wrote. “My husband is the only one working at this time …Without the generous help, my children wouldn’t be able to open any presents for Christmas.”

Both girls are school-age, which makes it difficult for their mother to work as she has to drop them off and pick them up from school during the week. 

Children should be able to cherish the magic of Christmas for as long as possible. No child should wake up Christmas morning without presents waiting for them, and no parent should have to witness this on a holiday that is meant to be full of cheer. 

This mother hopes to give her children the Christmas they deserve with help from the community. 

Now in its 58th year, the Item Santa fund helps to make Christmas brighter for those in need. 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.

The coupon can also be found online at this link: https://itemlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/page.pdf

All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2025, 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.