Secret Santa couple gave out $12,000 this year, spreading Christmas joy
Mr. and Mrs. Claus are real, and they just handed out $12,000 to those in need throughout Lincoln Park on Monday.
A Secret Santa couple has been passing out $100 bills among the less fortunate each holiday season since 2007, but they do not want to be identified or given any credit for it.
The couple grew up in metro Detroit but moved out of state years ago, yet they never left their community behind. With this year's contribution, the couple has handed out $207,000 over the last 15 years.
It's an act of selflessness that brings joy to those who in dire need of it. Each $100 bill is stamped "Secret Santa," and there is only one rule — do something nice and unexpected for someone else.
Starting at 8 a.m., Lincoln Park Police escorted the Secret Santas as they made their way to various bus stops, a White Castle, Salvation Army, schools and more.
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'It's not about us, it's about the people,' Mrs. Claus said.
Cop cars pulling up on people waiting for the bus in the cold seems unsettling and confusing at first, but when they realize what is happening, the locals are ecstatic.
"Are you waiting for Santa?" Mr. Claus asked as he got out of the car, holding a stack of $100 bills.
Derrick Wayne Greene of Ecorse, 60, started dancing and cheering as he received the money. "Ya'll made my day. Ya'll (are) going to be blessed. All ya'll (are) going to be blessed. Santa Claus, his reindeer, his elves."
When approached, Greene was taking the bus to Turning Point, a local counseling and mental health facility. He said he was in need of the money and he will be spending it to "eat good" on Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Others at the bus stop cried and repeated "God bless you," as they struggled to get over the shock of receiving the money.
Laron Murrey, 60, said he will be spending his money on new clothes for winter.
The couple also stopped a SMART bus and handed everyone on board $100.
On the bus was Bill Montgomery, headed to McDonald's. He said he is currently homeless, living in a hotel room paid by his church for the week. "I needed this," he said.
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Shocked and confused by the kindness
At the Salvation Army in Lincoln Park, several workers were overjoyed. Hands covered mouths and gasps filled the room as each received their cash.
Sadie Bell of Allen Park, 68, held her $100 bill up to the light, checking if it is real.
"I knew was going to have a good day," Bell said with tears in her eyes. "I just didn't know it was going to be a fantastic day."
It was the first day on the job as a production associate for Ceira Hicks, 24, and this was the last thing she expected.
"I've been sick, so this really came in handy," Hicks said. "I'm going to use this to buy Christmas gifts for my niece and nephew."
Store manager Pamela McNutt, 61, said she had heard about the Secret Santas over the years but did not expect to be blessed herself.
Rewarding students
A select few high school and middle school students, vetted by their principals, were gifted money as well. These students are known to be exceptionally kind and supportive of their peers and teachers, despite their circumstances.
Four Lincoln Park High School students received $200 each, while five Lincoln Park Middle School students received $100 each.
A freshman diagnosed with diabetes was among the rewarded students. Michael Newsome, 15, recently spent several days at the hospital and is still learning to navigate his disease. Even though he is extremely shy, his eyes widened as Santa presented him with his $100.
Seventh grader William Denny, 12, is the youngest of 12 siblings. He received his money for being a caring student who has made new students feel welcome at his school and participates in the peer mentoring program.
William said he will be spending his $100 bill on Christmas presents for his family.
Another student, Jeremiah Armstrong, 13, lives with his father and four siblings. He always stays after class to help his teachers clean up.
"That just made my day, thank you," Jeremiah said after receiving the money. "I'm going to cry." He also thanked his counselor and principal for helping him with his "emotions and staying calm at school."
To ensure their safety, students were asked to come by the office and pick up their money at the end of the school day, before heading home.
Over the last two years, due to COVID-19, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were not able to personally hand out money on the streets. Instead, they gave it to Lincoln Park and Detroit police officers to hand out, so being back on the ground this year, face-to-face with those they are helping, was important to them, Mrs. Claus said.
Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Secret Santas gave out $12,000 this year, spreading Christmas joy
