Santa suits up for Salvation Army.

Byline: Ellie Oleson

A young mother lost everything through a messy divorce that left her and her 4-year-old son homeless and living in a shelter in Worcester.

"She tried to find a job but couldn't, and had nowhere to turn,'' said E. Anji O'Malley, social services coordinator for the Salvation Army Citadel Corps in Worcester.

This little boy and thousands of other children in desperate need, due to abandonment, disease, job loss, divorce or other hardship, will receive toys this Christmas, thanks to donors to the Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund.

Another single mother with four small children has been battling cancer and struggling to pay her bills. She has no money left to buy toys.

"She is doing better. She is done with chemo and in remission, and has started back to work part-time, but she still needs help. She is proud and independent and was embarrassed to ask, but she couldn't stand to disappoint her children,'' Ms. O'Malley said.

On Dec. 1 through Dec. 5, sign-ups for the toy drive will be held at the Salvation Army at 72 Cambridge St., with the toy distribution the week of Dec. 15. Pickup times will be given at the sign-up. The toy distribution will be held in the renovated gym at 640 Main St.

Ms. O'Malley said parents or caregivers come in, with no children allowed, and are each given a large plastic bag to fill with toys. Each child is eligible for two age-appropriate toys and books as well as extras, such as stuffed animals and a football, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer ball or play ball.

"The parents are so grateful to be able to have presents for their children to open on Christmas. The T&G Santa really is a blessing.''

In its 76th year, the T&G Santa Fund collects thousands of donations from generous readers and area residents to help buy toys for children in need in Central Massachusetts. Children 12 and younger who would otherwise not receive any holiday gifts are eligible to receive at least two toys each. No...