Secret Santa strikes again

A series of “Are you serious?” and “Are you kidding me?” poured from Jennifer Newport’s mouth Friday morning.
It was followed by: “Get out of here. Are you kidding me? Are you serious?”

Secret Santa handed Newport a crisp $50 bill at her home. Newport, who was overwhelmed by the generosity, thanked Santa and went inside. But, she quickly returned as Santa was preparing to leave and made a request.
“Can I have a hug?” Newport said.

The two hugged and went their separate ways. Newport said she planned to use the money to buy her 1-year-old grandson, Jaxon, Christmas presents.

“I just spent my last dollar today filling a prescription at Walgreens,” she said.

Newport was just one of several people who received a cash gift from Secret Santa Friday on her final outing of the season. It was the fourth giving spree in which the anonymous donor handed out $50 bills (sometimes two) to strangers. She used $6,000 of her own money and another $450 given by donors.

Santa spread Christmas cheer at east Hardee’s, McDonald’s on South Limit Avenue, Katy Trail Community Health, Break Time, Division of Social Services, the Workforce Development office, Pettis County Courthouse and Salvation Army Thrift Store.

Disbelief was a common reaction from folks on the receiving end of Santa’s generosity. Many of them said they planned to use the money to buy Christmas gifts that they were unable to afford.

The extra cash came at a perfect time for Raymona Wheeler, who was a bit startled when she opened her minivan door and turned to see Santa. Wheeler, 40, said she didn’t have the money to buy her 7-year-old son, Calvin Wilson, Christmas presents. She has been looking for a job for more than month, but jobs are hard to find these days.

“It’s all getting spent on him (Calvin),” Wheeler said of her $100 gift.

At Hardee’s on East Broadway Boulevard, two workers behind the counter were surprised by Santa’s visit.
“Secret Santa’s here,” said one when Santa walked into the restaurant.
“Nu-uh,” said the other. “Swear to God?”

Santa handed Becky McCollum, 41, of Sedalia, a fifty. McCollum has worked at Hardee’s for 11 years.
“It kind of shows people do care,” McCollum said.

Charles Amos, 73, of Sedalia, was drinking coffee with friends in Hardee’s. A retiree for 12 years, Amos said living on Social Security benefits is “rough.”
“That’s all right,” he said of Santa’s gift. “I could sure use it.”

Amos said he was worried about how he was going to pay for his property taxes and buy his grandchildren Christmas presents.
“I can go to bed tonight and not worry about it,” he said.

Debbie Shaw was working the breakfast shift at McDonald’s when Santa visited.
“I’m totally shocked,” she said of the gift. “I’ve never had anybody give me $50 before.”

Kim Reid, a Break Time employee, was also shocked by Santa’s kindness.
“Are you serious? Oh my God, thank you,” Reid said.

“Is that normal?” asked a customer.

Reid, 26, of Sedalia, said it was unusual and she was just talking about how she could use a little extra money to buy her children Christmas presents.

“I guess, technically, Santa’s going to buy them Christmas,” she said.

Santa said she would like to carry on the tradition next year, but might tap somebody else to don the suit.