This Real-Life Santa Has Been Making Wooden Toys For Children In Need Every Christmas For 50 Years
With so many children impatiently waiting for Christmas morning to unwrap their presents, sadly, there are also those who will not receive any gifts. Families who are struggling to make ends meet aren’t always able to put presents under the Christmas tree. Luckily, there are many people in the community who are willing to spread kindness and help the families in need.
More info: abc11.com
One of these kindhearted people is an 80-year-old army veteran, Jim Annis. The man makes the holiday season all about giving back to those who need it the most. That’s why for the past 50 years, Annis has been making toys for kids from struggling families.
“When the Salvation Army gives out food and clothes to people in this area, I give out my toys,” said Annis.
Each year, he crafts handmade wooden toys and donates around 300 of them to the Salvation Army of Sanford. The man receives some of the wooden scraps from his neighbors and pays for other materials himself.
This costs him as much as $1000 each year. However, to him, it’s not about the money, but rather making kids feel cared for. Annis knows the feeling of not getting gifts on Christmas very well.
“My dad he worked, but didn’t make a lot of money. It’s hard to have a big Christmas with five kids,” he said.
Some of the toys he makes are fire trucks, dolls, and even piggy banks. The man hopes to continue doing this for as long as he can.
“I love when people ask me how much do I get paid for making these toys. I tell them my pay is when I see the smile on kids’ faces,” said Annis. “I hope to be able to do this until my toes curl up.”
Here’s how people reacted
21Kviews
Share on FacebookI live about 15 miles from this gentleman. He does it every year. God bless him. His toys are good enough to become collectibles. Kids adore them.
I wish there was a way to get his address so we can send donations to help with the cost.
Load More Replies...This is so great. He is a blessing to the children and his community, actually to our species!
Such days, all people wish things like happiness, joy and peace on earth. Some people perform them.
Dear Santa Jim, you are an incredible man, you have a heart of gold ,may God bless you with a long, healthy and happy life, thank you for helping the children !!!
I think this is this generation's Saint Nikolaus :) Info: Who is Nikolaus in Germany? Each year on December 6th, Germans remember the death of Nicholas of Myra (now the Anatolia region of modern Turkey), who died on that day in 346. He was a Greek Christian bishop known for miracles and giving gifts secretly, and is now the patron saint of little children, sailors, merchants and students
I live about 15 miles from this gentleman. He does it every year. God bless him. His toys are good enough to become collectibles. Kids adore them.
I wish there was a way to get his address so we can send donations to help with the cost.
Load More Replies...This is so great. He is a blessing to the children and his community, actually to our species!
Such days, all people wish things like happiness, joy and peace on earth. Some people perform them.
Dear Santa Jim, you are an incredible man, you have a heart of gold ,may God bless you with a long, healthy and happy life, thank you for helping the children !!!
I think this is this generation's Saint Nikolaus :) Info: Who is Nikolaus in Germany? Each year on December 6th, Germans remember the death of Nicholas of Myra (now the Anatolia region of modern Turkey), who died on that day in 346. He was a Greek Christian bishop known for miracles and giving gifts secretly, and is now the patron saint of little children, sailors, merchants and students
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