Globe Santa offers a chance to be a Christmas hero
The television airwaves are filled with classics like ''It's A Wonderful Life," ''How The Grinch Stole Christmas," ''Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and ''A Christmas Carol." A trip along the radio dial reveals several stations playing carols to get us into the holiday spirit. Newspapers feature articles extolling brotherhood and charity.
The weeks before Christmas often spur feelings of happy anticipation of what the season will bring. It is also when we think of the less fortunate and opportunities to care for those in need.
For 48 years, Globe Santa has received letters from thousands of parents, guardians, and children across Greater Boston who have told of being unable to provide gifts for Christmas. Those appeals have made it possible for those who can be generous to help meet that holiday need.
Like the heroes of the aforementioned classics, Globe Santa donors help contribute to a reversal of fortune. It is an exchange that brings out the true spirit of Christmas.
This year, more than 23,000 letters have been received. Here are three recent letters from mothers looking for assistance from Globe Santa this year:
Tia (not her real name) writes that she is doing it all: working part time while attending school full time, and raising three children. One is her 11-year-old sister. This 24-year-old single mother became the girl's legal guardian to keep her from entering the Department of Social Services system; their father died and their mother is a drug addict.
Just recently, Tia found a part-time job and is frantically trying to pay overdue bills and attempting to prepare for Christmas. ''It gets hard to provide for everyone, so I am asking for help this holiday season," Tia explained. ''I would be grateful for any help you could provide for my family."
Janet (not her real name) writes, ''I'm a food stamp recipient looking for help for my child. The child is 7 years old. [She] has been through a lot in the past four years. Her father is in jail, her baby sister died, and her stepfather and I are divorced." Doctors have diagnosed the girl with bipolar disorder. Janet is also still paying bills from an organ transplant the baby received before her death, which continue to come from out of state. ''Please, any help you can give me to give my daughter the best Christmas I can. I'll greatly appreciate it."
Josie [also not her real name] needs help this year with her 8-year-old boy, who cannot speak or understand what people say to him.
She says, ''If you could read this letter I wish you could help me. My 8-year-old sweet boy is a special needs kid. I would like you to help me with some toys that might be helpful for him. . . . Anything that might help him. I'll appreciate anything you give him. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."
Just as the characters in those Christmas classics reached a turning point in their lives, you can help these three women and their families begin to turn the corner by donating to Globe Santa.
Since 1956, Globe Santa has been the Boston Globe's annual appeal for children in need throughout the Metropolitan Boston area.
The Globe Santa Fund collects donations to purchase holiday gifts for deserving boys and girls whose parents are unable to provide them. The Globe Foundation pays all administrative costs associated with the program.
Last year Globe Santa provided assistance to more than 27,000 families and 57,000 children.
