Secret Santas inspire hope at Christmas with random acts of kindness.

The original "Secret Santa" - Larry Stewart.

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.
Princess Diana

When I think of random acts of kindness I am reminded of Larry Stewart, nicknamed "Kansas City's Secret Santa." Larry was an affluent businessman from Kansas City who, for over 22 years, gave $100 bills to underprivileged people in various parts of the country every Christmas season. He inspired hope and created a movement of charitable giving during the holiday season. Whether you believe in Santa or not, those fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of Larry’s kindness know that he was real.

Larry came from humble beginnings.

Thirty-five years prior to starting his annual “Secret Santa” events, Larry Stewart was not wealthy at all. In fact, he was homeless. His life took a dramatic turn one day when he walked into the Dixie Diner in Houston, Mississippi. Hungry but having no money, he decided he would go into the diner and eat, and then pretend he had lost his wallet. As the waiter was waiting for Larry to pay, the diner's owner, Ted Horn, noticed Larry's embarrassment. He walked over to his table, pretended he dropped something and handed Larry a $20 bill. Little did he know that this little act of kindness, as Larry liked to call it, changed this young's man's life forever. Shortly after, Larry vowed that if he were ever in a position to help others, he would do it, and in a way that will allow people to keep their dignity.

Mother and daughter each receive a new $100 bill from "Secret Santa".

Larry started donating cash to those in need.

Larry donated money to community charities in Kansas City and his hometown of Bruce, Mississippi. He believed in handing out cash directly to people in need because it is something people do not have to, "beg for, get in line for, or apply for."

He made his fortune in the field of communication -through cable television and long-distance calling. Stewart successfully kept his identity hidden until 2006, when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which claimed his life the following year. In a radio interview Stewart said he only disclosed his identity because a magazine was planning on doing it, and he wanted to tell his own story and the reasons for his philanthropic efforts.

Steward gave whenever there was a tragedy.

Stewart's acts of kindness were not restricted to the Kansas City area. He has traveled to other areas during times of local tragedy. He went to New York in 2001 after September 11, and to Mississippi in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. After his illness, he began "training" other "Secret Santas", who donated $65,000 during the 2006 holiday season, in addition to the money Stewart gave out.

Steward died but his charitable work continues.

Stewart died on January 12, 2007 from esophageal cancer at the age of 58 but not before he started a movement of "Secret Santas" throughout the United States and inspired thousands to continue his tradition.

Shortly after his death, Stewart’s’ “Elf” (some say his best friend) took over his role. Little is known about this “Secret Santa” either. He is also a wealthy businessman from Kansas City who goes around to different towns across America – this year in Albany, Ga. -- and gives away more than $100,000 worth of $100 bills each Christmas.

Every day we are presented with opportunities to help others. We often miss these opportunities because we think they are too insignificant to make a real difference. 

But we are wrong. They do make a difference. Every act of kindness brightens someone day and makes us feel a little better as well.

Keep your eyes open today for an opportunity to perform an act of kindness.

Larry would like that.



Nancy Burban 2013

Funeral fund