Secret Santa Challenge

Secret Santa

This is a reprint story from my old blog, published exactly ten years ago on November 30, 2006. The message is identical today as then. Enjoy!

TAKE THIS CHALLENGE SERIOUSLY! I am sharing my own secret today as well.

I remember first hearing about this concept 10 years ago on the radio and it inspired me do something similar, but on a much smaller scale due to my means. For the past 26 years, one man known simply as ‘Secret Santa’ has been anonymously giving away $100.00 bills to poor individuals in soup kitchens, thrift stores, and parking lots within the Kansas City area. Since 1979, he has given away $1.3 million dollars of his own money! Yes, Virginia, there really IS a Santa Claus!

After undergoing chemotherapy, he has finally decided it is time to reveal his secret identity: his name is Larry Stewart, a 58-year-old business man from Missouri. He acquired his personal fortune within the cable television and telecommunications industries. As his wealth has grown, he was worked even harder to share it with many others.

Recently, Steward has been recruiting others to help him with his mission of random acts of kindness. KUDOS!

Yet, as an independent and fellow ‘Secret Santa’ I would like to suggest that just about everyone can do this too. Since 1997, I have found ways to give small sums several times a year to very needy people and this has always turned into a magical moment. I suppose it is no longer a complete secret; yet, I am willing to bet that the people I have helped in the past…or will help in the future are unlikely to be reading this particular blog today. I only hope this inspires you to do the same.

The Challenge

This Holiday Season, instead of just donating a toy or writing a check to a local charity (please, do these too), look for someone who is struggling, hungry, or homeless and personally (but anonymously if possible) give them a small gift of cash with a smile and wish them happy holidays. Let them thank you….and then, go on with your day. It WILL be a better day for both of you, I promise!