Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Service
"If you give money, spend yourself with it."
— Henry David Thoreau

The Legacy of Secret Santa

The Legacy of Secret Santa
At a suburban Goodwill store on Friday, Theresa Settles selected a large, black comforter to warm her family until she can raise the money to turn the gas heat back on. A petite woman approached, her face obscured by dark sunglasses and a wrapped winter scarf, and handed Settles two $100 bills stamped with the words "secret Santa." "The only condition," she said, "is that you do something nice for someone. Pass it on." "I will," Settles said, the only words she could get out of her mouth. The secret Santa was a protege of Kansas City's undercover gift giver, Larry Stewart, who died of cancer nearly two years ago. Stewart roamed city streets each December doling out $100 bills to anyone who looked like they might need a lift.

Be the Change

Be somebody's "Secret Santa" this holiday season.

Get Daily Inspiration

For 29 years, we've delivered hand-selected stories that spark creativity and kindness. Join 139,035 subscribers on this journey.

Subscribe Free