Spending Christmas while you’re sick can be disheartening. But for parents grappling with a sickness, not being able to provide gifts for their children can be more devastating.

According to the CDC, among the US population, 38.4 million people of all ages — or 11.6% of the US population and 38.1 million adults aged 18 years or older — or 14.7% of all US adults — had diabetes.

According to a research paper by the American Diabetes Association: “There is evidence that diabetes affects patients, employers, and society not only by reducing employment but also by contributing to work loss and health-related work limitations for those who remain employed. Employees may experience lost wages if their work-loss days extend beyond an allotment of paid sick leave.”

A parent wrote to Item Santa requesting assistance to buy gifts for their children.

“I would like the help this year to give my daughters a nice Christmas,” the parent said. “It’s been rough for me because I cannot work too much because of my diabetes, and the money is rough. But with your help, I know my daughters will have a nice Christmas this year.”

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.

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 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.