Teams of collectors are organized to be on hand to accept donations in buckets throughout the month of December. Mayor Kennedy and her team collected $645.36 one afternoon recently, brandishing the Item Santa buckets!  David Sr. explained, "Every other day we go over to the Equitable Co-op Bank to use their coin counting machines and make a deposit. Anyone can donate by mailing in a check to the Item Santa, 426 Broadway, Lynn MA 01904. Donations are accepted throughout the year."

     This year because of road construction, the collection teams have relocated to Wyoma Square. "It is our goal to collect more than $20,000 and to increase the entire Item Santa collection to over $100,000 this year," David Sr. said.  The fund

Superior Roast Beef owner, Jimmy Roumeliotis with staffer and David Solimine, Sr.

raising efforts have extended to local businesses and restaurants where patrons are encouraged to purchase paper Christmas Stockings - red ones for $1 and green ones for $5 to be donated to the Item Santa. There is a friendly competition to sell these stockings that were created by the residents in local nursing homes.   

Donna DiCierico, Activities Director at Phillips Manor Nursing Home of Lynn with residents.

David Solimine, Sr. with Sheila Radziewicz, Maureen Whelan, and Rosa Tores of HAWC.

     Children with special needs hold a particular place in David, Sr.'s heart. David, Sr. and his wife Mary Jane participated in a Holiday party sponsored by Variety - The Children's Charity for special children held at the Revere Cinema. More than 250 children from the greater Boston area enjoyed fun, food, and a visit from Santa.   Earlier in December, a pizza party, sponsored by the Lynn Public Schools Special Needs Department was held in Lynn. This time the children were treated to pizza and ice cream AND a visit from Santa.

     David, Sr. has been a tremendous resource for so many local charities over the years. He explained, "I know where the need is the greatest and I know who to go to - individuals and companies - that will help out a good cause. We reach out as far as we can from Lynn to surrounding areas.   The generosity of those in our local communities knows no boundaries."

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Holiday Memorial Tree Service Held December 7th

     The Memorial Tree at Solimine Funeral Home is dedicated to the memory of loved ones who have died during the past year. More than 75 people attended this year's service on December 7th and brought ornaments with them to place on the tree in memory of a family member or friend.  

     "The tree is beautiful this year, as it is every year and a lovely tribute to those who have died," said Kim Anderson Hogan, Community Outreach Director. "The service is always touching and serves as an entrée to helping those who are grieving to deal with the holidays, which can be a very difficult time," she added.

     Solimine Funeral Home has partnered with the Elder Service Plan of the North Shore and its PACE program (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and with Caregiver Homes during December to collect gently-used coats for children and adults.  

     There is a collection bin at Solimine's 426 Broadway location in Lynn. "We are proud to join forces with both these agencies to help our neighbors receive the gift of a warm coat this winter," said Joel Solimine.  

     "We will continue the coat drive through January and February in an effort to reach out to those in need in the greater Lynn area.   We hope to collect at least 200 coats this year and it is our plan to distribute them through local food pantries," he added.

     "Please check your closets and think about those coats you no longer wear or want. There are many who can benefit from your generosity during our New England winters.   This is our first winter coat collection and we plan to make it an annual event," Joel said. "We will be accepting coats at our 426 Broadway location in Lynn during December, January, and February."

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     The holidays can be difficult for those of us who have lost a loved one, particularly if this is the first holiday season without that person. This usually joyous time of year is often accompanied by painful reminders of the person we are missing and apprehension about how we will cope with the festivities all around us.

     The key to managing grief during this time is to give yourself permission to be flexible and to try to anticipate changes you may wish to make. We have listed some suggestions below which we hope will help you face the coming season knowing that you are not alone in your ambivalence about the holidays, and that there are coping strategies available.

1)    It is important to acknowledge that adjustments will be necessary in the traditions and celebrations of the holiday season.

2)    Use a journal to write down your feelings and fears concerning the holidays. Clarifying your thoughts will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. View the holiday season as a series of small events, rather than as endless commitments and demands.

3)    Plan ahead to participate in some holiday activities to avoid having to make decisions under pressure. If you are not sure about an invitation, be tentative. Explain that some days are better than others and you may attend if you feel up to it.

4)    Include quiet time in your schedule so you do not feel overwhelmed during this busy time.

5)    Getting into the spirit by decorating can bring warmth into your home. Ask family and friends to help if it all seems too much to do alone.

6)    If you are not ready to celebrate this year, that's OK. If you have children, discuss holiday changes with them so they don't feel confused or punished.

7)    If you find yourself alone for the holidays, use the time to pamper yourself - do something you've wanted to do and haven't had the time for.

8)    If you don't want to be alone, make a plan not to spend the holidays by yourself. Call family and friends and tell them you'd like to spend some time with them.

9)    Do for others: Put together a holiday gift package or basket of food for a needy family.

10)  Start a new tradition in memory of your loved one.    

     At Solimine Funeral Home, we have several guides that many have found helpful for coping with grief during the holidays. Call us at 781-595-1492 to request one. You are also invited to stop by Solimine Funeral Home to put an ornament on our Memorial Tree in honor of your loved one.

     Remember that there is no right or wrong way to experience grief; nor is there a time limit for our feelings. We all experience loss differently. We hope that the suggestions listed above will help you get through this time of year and to choose the strategies that are right for you.