Many requests for help from Globe Santa come from families that have suffered an illness and ensuing medical expenses that have devastated their budgets and reshaped their lives.
One couple from a community north of Boston was elated when their first — and only — child was born almost three years ago. Their elation was tempered by concern, however, when they discovered their little girl had a rare condition that caused her neck muscles to contract and prompted her to twist her head to one side.
The next two years would be consumed by medical appointments, treatments, and therapy to correct the problem, the girl’s mother wrote, but not once did the child complain about her condition.
“My daughter has been incredible [even as a baby], and fought through every therapy session,’’ her mother said. “She even wore a helmet through the hottest months of the summer to help correct the problem.’’
The woman’s letter concludes with the same simple request that so many parents and guardians make when they write to Globe Santa: Please help her child, who has endured so much hardship, be happy on Christmas Day.
She and her husband may be proud people, she said, but they need a hand to give their daughter a Christmas to remember.
“We are not ones to ask for assistance unless absolutely necessary, but we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure our daughter has a Christmas and feels as loved and blessed as she makes us feel every day,’’ the mother concluded. “We would be so grateful for any help that you would be able to provide.’’
Since 1956, Globe Santa, a program of the Boston Globe Foundation, has helped families like this one throughout Eastern Massachusetts by delivering Christmas presents for children.
After a visit from Globe Santa, tens of thousands of boys and girls who might otherwise wonder why they were left out of the holiday instead wake up Christmas morning to find toys, books, games, clothes, and other gifts under their tree.
This couple’s daughter will be among the thousands who receive gifts from Globe Santa this year, but none of it would be possible without the generosity of individuals, groups, and local businesses, many of whom have made giving to Globe Santa a part of their Christmas tradition.
Thanks to these generous donors, Globe Santa visited nearly 20,000 homes last year and 35,570 children were able to enjoy a Merry Christmas rather than another tough day.
Please consider giving by mail or phone or at globesanta.org
Santa’s Mailbox
Here are the ways you can give:
Make a secure credit card donation online:
www.globesanta.org.
Send check or money order made payable to Globe Santa to
The Boston Globe Foundation c/o Globe Santa Fund PO Box 491 Medford, MA 02155-0005
By phone 617-929-2007
Christopher Tangney can be reached at ctangney22@hotmail.com
