(Press "play' to Listen to the Story)
Lonnie, aka, Salvation Army Santa, working his Holiday Magic.
"Ho, Ho, Ho ...Merry Christmas!" the words booming out of a small man wearing a red apron and a Santa hat. People coming and going from the Walmart looking, smiling and even reaching into their pockets to put a little something in that big red kettle. Lonnie is use to it. His Smile and and energy are rare for a bell ringer. But its his personality that has people talking and sharing a little bit of that hard earned Christmas cash.
For four days a week, four hours at a time starting right after thanksgiving, Lonnie becomes well...'Lonnie Claus' letting the kids know to 'eat for vegetables' and to 'listen to your parents'. Advice that all kids can use, especially if they want to get on the 'Good' list.
I saw Lonnie one day going in to the Walmart and in just the minute I was watching him...three people stopped to put money in the kettle. He chatted and offered advice and even handing out candy for the kids. The bell ringer at the other entrance? Crickets. Silent Night.
And...While I was interviewing him, the people going by couldn't help but stop and smile at this elf-like man sounding like a big-bellied Santa. Smiling his sideways grin, never getting defeated by people just walking by..."ho,ho,ho" People driving by looking for a big man in red and confused to see a small man in an apron. For most of the year, Lonnie is a handyman, odd jobs here and there...but for one month out of the year? He shines like the brightest star on top of the tree...and shares a little bit of that light with people hustling and bustling. The day I was there...while I was interviewing him...a man who looked a lot like Santa...drove up in a Big, Red Shiny car...and handed Lonnie $200-dollars. He drove off and just smiled. And Lonnie? He smiled that grin as he showed me the 2 one-hundred Dollar bills. He quickly shoved them in the kettle and didn't miss a beat...catching the next group heading out the door...."ho, ho ho."
Listen to Lonnie's Story by Clicking 'Play' on the Player at the Top.