If $self->things is an array ref, you just need to change your loop:

foreach (@{$self->things}){...}
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The @{} will dereference your things array and make $_ be each item. So, if $self->things is an array of names, you will replace XXXXX with $_.

Does this address the problem?

Russ
Brainbench 'Most Valuable Professional' for Perl