A balm for hard times

THIS YEAR, even Globe Santa feels the economic chill. His mail is full of letters from parents and grandparents who are struggling with bills but still want their children to have a good Christmas.

In the face of this historic economic decline, Globe Santa is still determined to provide good cheer. So once again this year, his elves are busy processing letters and preparing toys to send to needy children.

"It is not easy to tell kids that due to the economy it's going to be a small Christmas when they still believe in Santa Claus," writes a dad with three children and a disabled wife.

"I am still unemployed, and I have been looking for employment, but it seems that the other thousands of unemployed people are doing the same thing," writes the mother of a 2-year-old daughter.

"I barely have any money after paying just what it costs to live," writes a mother of three children.

The requests come from all over, from cities and towns such as Boston, Stoneham, Weymouth, and Brockton. These are families grappling with heavy burdens, including the death of a spouse, layoffs, and homelessness, as well as mental illness and physical disabilities. But they all share the desire to make the holidays happy for their children.

As one mother of three writes: "It just hurts me that I am unable to give my kids the Christmas that they deserve."

Last year, Globe Santa raised nearly $1.2 million and sent toys to more than 57,000 children in some 29,000 families. This year, the jolly old newspaper elf wants to spread that much joy and more, so that no matter what the stock market does, families' hearts will soar during the holiday season.

But Globe Santa needs help. He's relying on people with big hearts and generous spirits to donate as much money as they can. These donations pay for the gifts, as well as for packaging materials and shipping. The Globe takes care of all administrative costs.

It can be hard to make donations in uncertain times, but even small gifts help reassure children that good will can prevail over financial hardships.

Those who want to make donations can do so on the Web at globesanta.org. Donations can also be made in person at all performances at the Citi Performing Arts Center. Or checks and money orders can be mailed to: Globe Santa Fund Trust; c/o Citizens Bank; P.O. Box 845059; Boston, MA 02284-5059.

With a community's generous help, Globe Santa can make this season a little brighter for thousands of needy children.