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Kansas City, MO- In the seventies Larry Stuart was broke, cold, down on his luck and living in his van. He visited a church for help. He was told the person who could help him was not there, and he would have to return the next day.
By 1979, things were looking a little bit better, but it was Christmas and for the second time in a row, he found himself fired from his job during the Christmas season.
He was sitting in his van in the parking lot of a restaurant on a cold, December day, feeling sorry for himself when he noticed a car hop wearing a thin, worn out coat. Larry thought, I think I have it bad. When he paid for his food, he gave her a $20.00 bill and told her to keep the change. Her eyes began to well up with tears and she said “Sir, you don’t know what this means to me.” He thought back to the days when he was down on his luck and realized he did know how much it meant to her. He went to the bank and withdrew $200.00 and proceeded to hand out $5.00 bills to people who looked like they were down and out.
Eventually, Stuart broke into the telecommunications industry and made millions at cable and long distance service – for the last twenty-six years he has been known only as “Secret Santa” in the Kansas City and Chicago areas—handing out $20.00 bills and later $100.00 bills –sometimes 2, 3 or 4 per person. He would go to thrift stores, restaurant parking lots and other places where he felt he would find people who needed a helping hand. It is estimated that he has given away over a million dollars during this period of time.
Now, for the first time since he began his philanthropic donations, he has come forward with his identity. Diagnosed with liver and esophagus cancer, he actually finds himself in some financial difficulties, due to the fact that his insurance does not fully cover his treatments of $16,000.00 a month. But, he is still doing the “Santa thing.”
These days, he is getting help from his friends such as NFL Hall Of Famer Dick Butkiss - This year, Larry & Dick will be handing out $100,000.00 to those in need. Four other Secret Santas will join and hand out an additional $65,000.00.
Stuart will be speaking in various communities about random acts of kindness and encouraging others to follow in his footsteps.
NOTE TO ALL-
We feel that the reason Mr. Stuart came forward to identify himself as the “Secret Santa” is because of his medical condition.
Prior to his diagnosis he remained incognito for 26 years. He knows how serious his illness is and wants the trend to continue even if he isn’t capable of performing it himself.
We salute you Larry Stuart- Thank You for letting our country in on a true tale of humanity and the spirit of Christmas!
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Let’s all keep Mr. Stuart in our thoughts and send positive energy his way.
bravenet.com