This year’s letters to Globe Santa reveal a rising level of stress and hardship faced by families in the Greater Boston area, highlighting economic insecurity and an increase in domestic violence reports. The annual holiday gift program, which has operated for 71 years under the Boston Globe Foundation, collects letters from families in need, offering a unique window into the challenges confronting vulnerable households.

Among the notable trends this season is a growing number of letters from mothers who are pursuing further education to improve their chances of earning a living wage. At the same time, there has been a marked rise in messages from domestic violence victims. According to one program coordinator, many women describe fleeing abusive situations with only their children and the clothes they wear, leaving their families with almost nothing.

Susan Ross, CEO of The Second Step in Newton—which provides legal aid and crisis intervention for domestic abuse survivors—said that while domestic violence rates are difficult to quantify due to underreporting, financial strain and social isolation often exacerbate the problem. “It is exacerbated by financial insecurity, job loss, the use of drugs and alcoholism, and social isolation,” Ross explained. She also pointed to broader cultural factors, including a less civil and respectful societal climate, which may compound the issue.

At the same time, Ross noted increased awareness surrounding domestic violence has empowered more individuals to speak out and seek help. She described Globe Santa as a possible first point of disclosure for many survivors. “It is a perfect example of where a person might make a disclosure for the first time,” she said.

The letters received span various languages and often include translations by children in the households. Many feature personal touches such as drawings and family photographs, underscoring the deeply human stories behind each request for support.

Recently, Globe Santa has transitioned from a paper-based system to a digital platform, altering the traditional experience of reading letters but allowing the program to continue reaching families amid operational changes. The Randolph office of Globe Santa is scheduled to close at the end of the month, with staff shifting to remote work while maintaining their mission to share these stories and distribute holiday gifts.

The themes emerging from this year’s letters reflect enduring social issues, including homelessness, the loss of family members, medical challenges, inflation, childcare problems, and mental health struggles. The correspondence also captures the ongoing impact of past and present crises—ranging from the AIDS and crack epidemics to the COVID-19 pandemic—and demonstrates how global events influence local families, including those fleeing instability and conflict abroad such as in Haiti and Ukraine.

Globe Santa continues to offer critical support to families amid persistent economic uncertainty, inviting the public to contribute to their efforts through donations at globesanta.org.