LYNN — Moving your family to a new community is always full of challenges. From packing and unpacking to worrying about how your children will adjust to a new school and whether they will be able to make new friends, moving is a process that can be full of stress and anxiety.

But when that move is coupled with financial woes as well as health problems, moving can be much more than any family can bear.

Such is the case for a young family that recently moved to Lynn. The mother wrote to Item Santa, asking for help brightening the holiday season for her family and giving her children a memorable Christmas. She wrote that the family was homeless prior to moving to Lynn and that many of the children’s belongings, including clothing and toys, have been lost.

“We are going through a financial hardship and have been having trouble paying rent and bills,” she wrote. “We have two disabled family members in our household and have been struggling financially with medical needs.”

Adding to the family’s struggles is the fact that the mother is pregnant, but currently unable to work because her pregnancy is high risk.

“My family and I would greatly appreciate this help; thank you,” she wrote.

You can help this family get back on its feet and have a happy and memorable Christmas with a donation to Item Santa. Even a small donation will go a long way to help them and others who are also desperately trying to make ends meet during a time when life should be full of joy, happiness, and thankfulness instead of worrying about financial, food, and health insecurities.

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 Daily 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.