Christmas means a lot of things to different people. For some, it means spending time with family and friends, working on a holiday to earn extra, or giving back to society; and for others, it means gifting presents to their loved ones. 

The first Christmas with her child is undoubtedly special for a new mother. She plans the gifts, how to celebrate the festival, and how to make Christmas magical for her newborn. However, not all new mothers can afford to do so.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “over half of American women (55%) return to work during their child’s infancy,” while others return within three months of giving birth “despite often experiencing lingering health issues related to pregnancy and giving birth.” 

As a result, women undergo immense physical and emotional pressure, change, and stress. According to the National Library of Medicine, “in the first two months after giving birth, mothers commonly report stress, exhaustion, sore breasts, backaches, and weight control issues, itching and numbness at the incision site present additional problems for women who had cesarean births.”

This often leads to women being forced to stay at home, which translates to almost negligible income for the family. For single and new mothers, it means no gifts for their newborn. 

A new mother wrote to Item Santa requesting assistance to buy gifts for her children. 

“Due to just having a baby after a high-risk pregnancy and complications after birth, I am not able to go back to work until February,” she wrote. “This prevents me from making money to get gifts for my kids. I am asking for help to give my children the Christmas they deserve.”

Now in its 57th 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.

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 2024, 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.