WPBN: Some people in western North Carolina’s flood-affected Avery County were initially dubious of the stranger who showed up this week and claimed to be a Santa Claus-like figure.
The prospect of someone suddenly providing assistance seemed too good to be true, since many families and individuals were still battling to reconstruct their lives after Hurricane Helene’s damage.
He went up to individuals anywhere he could, including at grocery shops, parking lots, and even motel rooms where many hurricane victims are still staying since they are unable to go back to their houses three months after the storm. Over time, his deeds started to outspeak his words.
This man, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a wealthy businessman who has chosen to travel across the United States during the holidays to spread kindness and provide direct financial support to individuals in need.
He gives out $100 notes to strangers he meets around the holidays, distributing roughly $100,000 in cash each year. While he seeks out individuals after knowing about their sufferings and struggles, some recipients are selected entirely at random.
Naturally, many started to wonder why this “Secret Santa” chose to travel to North Carolina, and more especially, Avery County.
He made this choice out of a profound sympathy for those impacted by Hurricane Helene’s destruction. Numerous families were left homeless and facing financial uncertainty as a result of the storm that struck the area three months ago and caused significant flooding and destruction. Many inhabitants remained displaced as the holidays drew near, staying in makeshift lodgings like motels with no idea when they would be able to resume their regular lives.
This Secret Santa’s decision to travel to Avery County was motivated by more than merely distributing cash; it was also an attempt to instill hope and humanity in a community that had suffered greatly.
He was aware that a large number of those he would encounter had experienced not only financial and emotional hardship but also physical destruction. In addition to reminding them that compassion and kindness endure despite adversity, he aimed to lessen their burdens, if only moderately.
His presence and the small but meaningful items he gave away had a profound effect on the people of Avery County. Many saw the $100 bills as more than just cash; they were a sign of optimism, a reminder that people, even complete strangers, care, and a modest but significant start toward their post-storm life reconstruction.
“I think when people go through tragedy, they can lose their house — all their belongings,” he stated. “But what they can’t lose is hope. And maybe we can give a little hope.”
Jamie Guinn was one of those he pursued. Guinn and his wife, Melissa, lived in a house in Avery County, but the garage was torn off by a mudslide during the height of Helene.
“I grabbed ahold of her and I said, ‘At least we got each other,'” Jamie stated. “‘We can fix the house.’ And it couldn’t have been 10 minutes later, and I remember just getting crushed.”
Melissa was killed in a second mudslide that destroyed the entire house.
“You haven’t really lost her because she’s with you and she’s smiling down on you right now,” Secret Santa stated to Guinn.
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More than the actual money, individuals appear to be moved by the words of consolation, the embraces, and the hope from a complete stranger.
“That’s the gift, that you haven’t been forgotten about, that we do know you’re there,” the Secret Santa stated. “And we do care.”
Kindness is the bridge that unites all people, according to Secret Santa, and it cannot be destroyed by fire, bombing, or flooding. It is constantly present, merely awaiting our passage.
