The Portland Press Herald reports that for the third year in a row, a businessman from the Portland area of Maine has made it a mission to hand out $100 bills at area food pantries, shelters and places like Goodwill and Salvation Army. For those who are truly struggling, it’s a blessing most do not dare imagine — and one often met with tears from the overwhelming gratitude and surprise. It is too easy to feel forgotten, disposable and lost in this world.
Dubbed the “Secret Santa,” the anonymous man protects his identity with a Groucho Marx-type nose-and-eyeglasses set and hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head, waiting in a car. Meanwhile, an assistant in a Santa suit hands out the bills in envelopes, which also contain a note suggesting the recipient pay the gesture forward in some way or use it to make the holiday a little happier for themselves and their families.
The first year, Secret Santa handed out $10,000 in $100 bills; this year, his goal is $20,000. He does not announce the dates, times or exact locations he is planning, so as to avoid creating a frenzy. But he does announce that he plans to visit several towns in the week before Christmas.
Southern Maine’s Secret Santa says he was inspired by Kansas City’s secret Santa, Larry Stewart, who spent years anonymously handing out $100 bills. He reportedly gave out more than $1.3 million over two decades before his death in 2007.
In an interview with The Portland Press Herald (you can read the full story here), the Secret Santa said, “The whole idea is to convince other people to do something similar. We’d love to see it happen more often. I want to do this every year in increasing amounts if it’s possible. But you never know because the economy is in such a dicey situation now.” He plans to give money away next year as well.
We may not all be able to give away 200 $100 bills — or even just one. But we can all afford to give a smile, a hug, an extra five minutes of our time. How will you play Secret Santa this year?
Layaway angels, gold and diamonds — paying it forward. Warms the heart!
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2011/1221/Layaway-angels-and-gold-coins-Americans-find-new-ways-to-warm-hearts-VIDEO
Seems to me that smiles are God, godding, gwind — so glad you are generous with yours and helping to keep the world spinning!
“The source of a true smile is an awakened mind.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh ~
We used to travel a lot on holidays. The one thing that I made a point of doing was that every time we stopped for gas, food, bathroom breaks, etc. was to tell the person behind the counter or waiting on us how much I appreciated them working on the holiday. I did it with a big smile because I meant it! I can tell you that after watching people’s reactions time after time, it did change their moment. I know it changed mine because I felt appreciation for having that service when every other place was closed.
Being nice, doesn’t cost anything, but it does become a good habit that passes beyond the holidays.