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Globe Santa: Single father is a caregiver, breadwinner – and terminal cancer patient
“It feels like no matter how much I work, it’s never enough,” he wrote. “This year, I can’t even afford a tree.”
The online shopping extravaganza that is Cyber Monday may have surpassed even Black Friday as the most valuable day in retail.
But for Globe Santa, Giving Tuesday is the day that epitomizes the program’s purpose.
Globe Santa has a singular goal — to help children celebrate the holidays with gifts — and relies on the generosity of donors to accomplish this mission.
Without the thousands of people who contribute to the annual fund drive, letters like the one from a single father living on the South Shore could go unanswered.
“I’m writing in hopes of giving my 11-year-old daughter a Christmas she deserves,” the father writes. “I’ve always worked hard to provide for her, but this year, I’m struggling more than ever.”
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His job as a mechanic pays only enough to meet their basic needs. He works overtime when it’s available, is a frugal food shopper, and sticks to a tight monthly budget.
Still, financial stability seems like an impossible dream.
“It feels like no matter how much I work, it’s never enough,” he wrote. “This year, I can’t even afford a tree.”
Five years ago, the family of three became a family of two when the young girl’s mother died, and her absence is never far from their minds.
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“I watch [my daughter] growing up so fast, and while she’s brave and never complains, I can see the weight she carries,” he writes. “She’s been through so much.”
Another single father wrote to Globe Santa for his 10-year-old daughter. He has terminal cancer and worries that this could be their last holiday season together.
“I don’t really know how much time I have left,” he writes poignantly.
Given his cancer diagnosis, and a painful spinal condition, working is not an option.
Presents for Christmas are a luxury he can no longer afford, but that hasn’t stopped him from trying to get in the holiday spirit.
“I bought a used tree two years ago and managed to accumulate some decorations over the years,” he writes. Anything you can donate to us will be very appreciated.”
It’s the donors to Globe Santa who ensure these children will find new books, games, and toys with their names on them this holiday season. Their families will join thousands of others in celebrating with gifts, thanks to a visit from Globe Santa.
In many cases, these families are headed by single fathers, who face the challenges of being both caregivers and breadwinners. Globe Santa hears from an increasing number of them.
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“I am a single, 21-year old father of a wonderful little boy,” begins a recent request. “He is 4 years old and struggles daily with his autism. … He struggles with anger and anxiety and because of COVID he didn’t get the help he needed with early intervention.”
The child’s mother was removed from the home for domestic violence, and she is forbidden from having contact with them.
Despite working full time, after paying the rent, the utilities and the child care, there is nothing left. Like so many families in need, he turned to Globe Santa for help.
“I want to say how very grateful I am for any assistance I get for my son,” he writes. “He is an amazing little boy who deserves the same magical wonder of the holidays like every other child.”
Christopher Tangney can be reached at [email protected]
For 69 years Globe Santa, a program of the Boston Globe Foundation, has provided gifts to children in need at holiday time. Please consider giving by phone, mail, or online at globesanta.org.
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