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Santa’s special helpers
Dec. 24, 2011
By Mary Pechar
Frank White, Jr. and JC Sheriff Mike Sharp
Photo courtesy Jeff Jones
Santa came to Lee’s Summit Dec. 16 with his sleigh of merry elves. A bit early you say? Oh, well this was the Secret Santa.
Shoppers at the Lee’s Summit Salvation Army Store did not know what to make of the caravan of plain black vehicles swooping into the parking lot bearing Jackson County Sheriff’s license plates. One man looked on warily as he held his young child, “Is this a bust?” his face clearly said.
The team of elves entered the store and quickly spread out identifying their intended targets. The wary looks quickly changed to those of shock and surprise as they greeted shoppers, listened intently to their stories and offered words of support and encouragement. Quietly a $100 bill or two or three changed hands, a face crumbles, a hug is exchanged and Santa is off to meet the next person whose day just got a bit brighter.
The young man with his son, grinned as his expectant wife spoke quietly with Santa, thanking him for the unexpected help with their holiday. Expecting their new baby anytime, they will be celebrating the holiday a bit early to be prepared. When asked what Santa says, the little boy quickly responds with “ho, ho, ho.”
Another woman commented, “I’ve seen about Secret Santa on TV, but I never thought I would get to meet him and receive his generosity.”
One elf walks away from an older woman as she hides her head, shoulders quietly shaking. There is a tear or two working their way down his cheek.
“I can never make it through a day without a few tears,” he shared
Earlier in the day, the elves gathered in the office of Sheriff Mike Sharp and their camaraderie was apparent. Many have been a part of this band since the early days with the original Secret Santa, Larry Stewart. And there was a new face eager to join their ranks, Frank White Jr., a former member of the KC Royals.
Santa ensured that Frank realized what a gift he was receiving with his Elf hat, “Elves are committed, committed to staying with the experience. Elf stands for ‘EverLasting Friend.’” Then it was down on one knee for Frank as Santa began, “By the powers vested in me, I bestow upon you your Elf hat ... ”
Continuing the tradition that began more than 20 years ago with former Sheriff Tom Phillips, Jackson County Sheriff, Mike Sharp escorted Santa and his elves today. Sheriff Sharp was proudly wearing his Elf hat.
At one stop a grinning woman hurried up to Sharp and asked, “Can I have a hug?”. One hug later, Diane was back to her volunteer work, “I have plenty of time to help people now; I don’t have a job again yet.”
A short time later, Diane was brought into meet Santa and his elves. And her favorite elf was able to brighten her day. As she walked away, Sharp said, “There is no way to describe how it makes you feel. I feel good, real good. Someone who had nothing now has something.”
Santa and his elves all have stories to tell. And while they do share some of the struggles people they meet are experiencing, the continuing refrain is around what being one of Santa’s Elves brings to them rather than what they give.
“There is much more to this than handing folks some money,” Santa explained. “This is about leading by example, doing random acts of kindness. This is about changing the world, one city at a time.
“I am humbled to be in the presence of these people, they have a dignity beyond expectation. Sure, we try to lighten their load, but listening to their stories and giving them positive reinforcement that they are ok, they are doing the best they can with what they have.”
And our newest Elf, Frank, comforted an elderly woman abandoned by her children and grandchildren and then needed a moment to reflect on what he had heard. Moving on he introduced himself to an older couple. Her face lit up at just hearing his name and seeing his quick smile. They explained that the husband is preparing to begin treatment for colon cancer. It’s a subject that White is intimately familiar with – after losing both of his parents to colon cancer he teamed up with Truman Medical Center and the Royals to start the Frank and Daisie White Colon Cancer Awareness Program.
He offered knowledge and encouragement and you saw the strain on their faces ease. The $100 bill he quietly slipped them was just an extra, they had already found peace and joy in the encounter. It looks like Frank is committed for the long haul, Santa.
And then with but a blink of an eye, they were out the door and on their way to the next stop.
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