Secret Santa Story (SSS)

Giving money away to strangers on the street — how tough can that be? You walk up to someone and say, “Hey, how ya doing? Here’s a $100 bill.”

I have just heard an inspiring story today. It's true - I have verified the story on the internet. It is about a guy in Kansas City who had, from 1979 through 2006, made a practice of anonymously handing out small amount of cash, typically in the form of hundred-dollar bills, to needy people. His acts of kindness were not restricted to the Kansas City area. He traveled to other metropolitan areas during times of local tragedy, such as New York (Sept 11, 2001), and to Mississippi (Hurricane Katrina, 2005). Over 28 years, he gave away a total of $1.3 million anonymously.

He successfully kept his identity hidden until 2006. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he chose to reveal his identity as part of an effort to encourage others to practice philanthropy. His name is Larry Stewart. Now, his story is even more remarkable. Stewart has grown up in poverty in a small town in Mississippi. As a young adult, he was fired two years in a row in 1978 & 1979; would you believe it, both times, just before Christmas? After losing his job, he lived in his car. Then came the day that planted the seed of Secret Santa.

Cold, hungry, homeless and broke, Stewart went into a restaurant and ordered a big breakfast. With no money in his pockets he concocted a plan of petty crime to get something to eat and then pretend he had lost his wallet. He had no idea what was in store for him. The owner came from behind the counter and bent to the floor near Stewart’s feet. “You must have dropped this,” he said, handing Stewart a $20 bill. Stewart vowed that day the he would help others whenever he could.

He made his way to Kansas and eventually made a lot of money in business. But Stewart didn’t wait until he became rich! Around Christmas of 1979, still nursing his wounds of unemployment, he was having dinner at a drive-in during a very cold day. Noticing a carhob (a waiter, often on rollerskates, who brings food to people in their car) working outside, Stewart recalled, “It was cold and this car hop didn't have on a very big jacket, and I thought to myself, `I think I got it bad. She's out there in this cold making nickels and dimes,. I gave her $20 and told her to keep the change. And suddenly I saw her lips begin to tremble and tears begin to flow down her cheeks. She said, `Sir, you have no idea what this means to me.'

From then onwards, at Christmas, Stewart would search for people in threadbare coats and old cars. He found them at thrift stores and coin-operated laundries and gave them cash. Stewart’s Santa currency usually was $100 bills. The only thing Santa asks in return is that recipients of the money do something nice for someone else. But he always said the amount wasn’t important. He just wanted recipients of his gift to pass something along to others, even it were only $5 or simple gestures such as opening the door for a stranger or taking cookies to a shut-in. That's what got Stewart started in the first place.

Stewart died earlier this year (January 12, 2007) from cancer, aged 58. But his legacy continues. This year, several businessmen have announced that they will be filling the shoes of Secret Santa. Stewart's dream, when he was alive, was to have a Secret Santa in every major U.S. city, something those who are carrying on his tradition hope to achieve. His inspiring story has also been captured in a book! You can also goggle and find US newspapers covering his good deeds and his death!

Secret Santa's story is one of true hope - “He lit a candle every Christmas that was so bright, every one could see.”
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Reflection: I have no idea why Santa did it? What did he get out of it? But I believe he must be one of the most happiest people in the world when he was alive. How do I know? Because the Bible says that generous people are happy people! It seems like a paradox, but its true, "if you want joy, start giving!". We have heard of the saying, "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

For Christians - The Christmas story is truly one about giving - "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life!" (John 3:16). God is exceedingly generous. I believe He is the happiest being in the whole universe because He outgive everyone! How about embracing the spirit of giving this Christmas season. As Secret Santa would say, "it is not the amount, but the simple gestures". You will be surprised how small seeds of kindness can grow and multiply.

So, let me repeat the question I posed at the beginning. "Giving money away to strangers on the street - how tough can that be? You walk up to someone and say, "Hey, how ya doing? Here's a $50 bill."

References:
A new Secret Santa and others carry on Larry Stewart’s legacy of giving, By D. Bradley The Kansas City Star (Dec 1, 07) .
Secret Santa hands out $20,000 in Phoenix, J. Villa The Arizona Rep. (Dec. 5, 07)
Secret Santa Millionaire Philanthropist Larry Stewart Dead at 58 (Jan 13, 07), Fox News
Wikipedia