Juvenile Hall Santa - this story made me cry like a baby

[skygazer]

For 40 years, this guy has been playing Santa at juvenile hall - his idea - because, as he put it - "Everybody is doing stuff for the good kids, but nobody gives a damn about the bad kids."

Good story. ~snif~

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/16272218.htm

[LostinVA]

1. Nice story -- thanks for posting

[dropkickpa]

2. Probably one of the only times some of those kids

have gotten something for Xmas.

Thanks for sharing that story!!

[Book Lover]

3. What a gift it is to be able to portray Santa

Thank you so much for this story. I even rec'd it, though I know not much gets rec'd in the Lounge....

[MonkeyFunk]

4. thanks

for posting that.

Made me cry, too.

[skygazer]

5. Kick because it really is a great story

I'm somewhat of a grinch at heart but I'm a softy when it comes to kids and it kills me to think of the kids that are just discarded by society. We spend so much money on war and so often the programs that help keep kids out of places like juvenile hall are the first ones that get cut in a budget crunch. This guy is doing something special for kids most people don't give a damn about.

[SeattleGirl]

6. Great story. Thanks for posting it.

Several years ago, I volunteered at a Christmas party for street kids at one of the local churches. Some of these kids were runaways; most, though, were throw-aways. They were all trying to out-tough each other at first, but let me tell you. when Santa came out, you should have seen these kids. For most of them, the tough exterior melted away, and the true kid in them came out. It was one of the most wonderful things I've ever witnessed in my life.

[Pithlet]

7. *sniff* There really is a Santa Claus.

Thank you for posting.

[buddhamama]

8. i am crying too,

thanks for posting. :hug:

[redqueen]

9. That really is touching.

Makes me hope for a future where sentences for criminal behavior are directed more toward rehabilitation than punishment.

[ThomCat]

10. That's a good man.

:)

[Gormy Cuss]

11. What's wonderful is this guy's dedication

All those years and he still enjoys playing Santa for these kids. A small kindness really, but with great impact.

[Patiod]

12. I alerted on this thread

Hoping it can get moved or copied to GD so it can go on the "Greatest" page. Amid all the bad things we see posted every day, it's good to see a positive example of how to walk the walk.

[Dukkha]

13. he truly earns the WWJD award

you don't turn bad kids around by continuing to treat them bad. He's got the right idea for sure.