The Secret Santa Society, Larry Stewart's Legacy

NHLife — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:50:00 GMT

This Christmas, I keep coming back to the story of Larry Stewart.

Stewart was known as the “Secret Santa”, a once-homeless millionaire Kansas City businessman who sought out people that needed a financial boost and anonymously gave out cash to strangers. He would seek out people that could use a bit of assistance, often traveling long distances to deliver the goods. He gave to hurricane survivors, families whose homes had burned down, single mothers, victims of tornadoes. But he also sought out recipients on street corners, in Laundromats and in thrift shops. He gave with one condition: that the recipient did something nice for someone in return. Paying it forward was part of the deal.

Larry Stewart passed away earlier this year. But there are new "Secret Santas" following in his footsteps. It may sound like a simple task: set aside a certain amount of money and decide to give it away in increments to people at random. It's not. First, how do you decide whether a person could use the cash? Second, how do you approach them without making them feel embarrassed or offended by the gift? Third, how can you be sure that the person will pass along the act of kindness? A less important point, but one that ensures that Stewart's legacy continues well into the future. This is where Larry Stewart was the master. He instinctively knew who needed the help.

Today there is a Society of Secret Santas (http://www.secretsantaworld.net/). This year, they have pooled over $150,000 of their own money to give away to strangers. They headed out on "Sleigh Rides" - Larry's term for his trips to give away money during the holidays - starting in Phoenix, AZ and hitting four other cities on a tour of giving.

It's inspiring, to say the least. Although it's unlikely that I'll be standing on street corners handing out $100 bills like the Secret Santa army, I think it might be a good year to start small. I'm one who believes that everything you give comes back to you - even if it is only in the form of joy and a sense of satisfaction in making someone else’s day brighter. And I think handing out hope is really what Christmas is all about. Now I need to get over my fear of approaching strangers.

Live Free and Blog : Giving

The Secret Santa Society, Larry Stewart's Legacy