He comes around every year at this time, just in time to make sure no one is forgotten. Over the years, we have become used to him but we NEVER take him for granted. He is a Godsend to those who otherwise would have little or nothing for the children to open on Christmas Day.
His name is Larry and he is as regular a guy as you and me. But for some reason he loves to put smiles on kids’ faces and so armed with a pickup truck or van filled to capacity with new toys, he begins making his stops at the local police departments to provide gifts for us to distribute to the various charities for needy families. His gifts are spread out from Hollywood to Homestead and Sunny Isles Beach to Southwest Ranches, with many programs benefiting from his generosity and kindness.
I first met Larry about 9-10 years ago when by coincidence he ran into me and asked if our Toys for Kids program needed some help. Well it was an instant friendship from that day on, and I am PROUD to call him my friend. He never looks for anything in return, he does not want or like any notoriety and he is just one of the kindest, most generous human beings I have had the privilege of knowing. To honor his request, I only provide his first name so I call him Larry Santa Claus.
But to say that each year he touches the lives of hundreds of children by his gifts is an understatement. The most humble of sorts, he arrives, unloads and leaves for his next stop.
On behalf of every child in need, and on behalf of myself and the entire police department, I express our heartfelt gratitude for Larry the Santa Claus…. There is none like him. God Bless Everyone in this great community; Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe 2015.
