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There are a myriad of reasons people turn to Beacon Santa for help. Accounts of illness, loss, unexpected unemployment and disability are linked to many letters received. While no two stories are the same, they share some familiar themes: the desire to come up with something special on December 25.
Evidenced by the two letters received last week. One is from a single mother, the other from a family recently arrived in the United States, looking for a new start.
“I am the single mother of an amazing 6 year old, intelligent, sweet, big hearted and warm child,†writes the single mother.
Her son, who has autism, loves Christmas so much that he asks for the tree to go up the day after his birthday in June. He loves, his mother writes, watching the snow fall, the decorations, family and friends, and yes, the gifts.
“So if you could help us, we would appreciate it. I would just like to see my son smile bigger this year,†she wrote.
The second letter tells the story of an immigrant family. They came from Kenya two decades ago, here to pursue the American dream. For years, it worked. He worked as a long distance trucker, long hours on trips from coast to coast.
They raised three children and everything looked good.
Then disaster: illness forced him off the road and eventually become disabled, leaving the woman to work 12-hour shifts. Aggravating problems – loss of their home to a fire. From there they lived where they could – a wet basement, a single room in a homeless shelter until finally, an affordable place to live in Concord.
But being warm, dry, and in safe accommodation stretch the one-time income to the limit. The father still needs several medical treatments every week.
“They remain optimistic and happy,” according to the letter. “I have never heard of a complaint from any of them. Any help you can offer will be grateful.”
Santa tag
The Beacon Santa Fund, established in 1965, raises funds to provide Christmas gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow and Westford.
In each of the past years, we have helped approximately 400 families. In 2020, the need was greater than ever. It was very gratifying and frankly, a little surprising, that in such a tumultuous year for everyone, Beacon Santa’s donations have dwindled but not gone. This happened because our readers recognized the need and made a donation.
How to make a donation
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c / o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
OR Beacon Santa, 150 Baker Ave. Extension, Suite 201, Concord.
Online: via PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809 or by clicking the PayPal button in this article. A PayPal account is not required to donate.
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