Acts of Kindness
Dad of 6 struggling after wife’s cancer diagnosis gets a visit from “Secret Santa”
This man needed a blessing and he definitely got one. His gratitude was plain to see the moment he saw the man in the Santa hat.
Cherie Gozon
12.02.21

If there’s one thing we love about Christmas, it’s the spirit of giving.

This is a story about giving.

Pexels|Nicole Michalou
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Pexels|Nicole Michalou

Sure, receiving gifts always feels exciting. But more than receiving gifts, Christmas is a season for all of us to give freely for the sheer joy of it.

And giving gifts to those in need gives the greatest enjoyment of all.

This is why you’d often see organizations or individuals volunteering or donating to outreach programs. Some of them organize gift-giving projects, especially for those who need it most.

Many people could use a secret Santa.

Pexels|Liza Summer
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Pexels|Liza Summer

Thankfully, many people in East Idaho get to have one.

“Secret Santa” is a program organized by East Idaho News’s Surprise Suad.

They’re serious about spreading the love.

Pexels|KoolShooters
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Pexels|KoolShooters

According to the news agency, this segment in their news program started when an anonymous individual donated $1 million and wanted to look for deserving individuals who might need help.

It’s literally a “secret” Santa since the kind donor wished to keep his identity unknown to the public.

East Idaho News took that responsibility wholeheartedly.

YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News
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YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News

A million dollars is a big budget.

So, they know they can make many people happy this Christmas and make their lives a bit easier. In this episode, they chose to give Steven a gift from Secret Santa.

YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News
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YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News

Steven works at a home improvement store.

He has six kids ages 3 to 16 years old. His wife, Rayne, is a hardworking mom, too. With six kids to raise, the couple had to work full time.

Unfortunately, Rayne was diagnosed with colon cancer early this year.

Pexels|Saulo Zayas
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Pexels|Saulo Zayas

She had to go through chemotherapy which drained the family’s savings.

They also needed to purchase a unique bed for her so she could sleep while sitting up. They spent $3,000 for that.

Then, their propane furnace broke down.

Pexels|Furknsaglam
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Pexels|Furknsaglam

They need at least $5,000 to have it repaired or replaced. With a meager budget on hand, they had to settle for electric space heaters to keep themselves warm.

This may not be enough, especially now that winter is coming.

The couple faces adversity with optimism.

YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News
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YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News

They never complained, and Steven recognized that he needed to work hard to provide for his family. This trait made them worthy of a Secret Santa visit.

As host Nate Eaton entered the store, he looked for Steven.

Steven immediately recognized the crew.

YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News
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YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News

He said he’s been watching their videos and knew what they were there for, though he admitted he did not expect to be chosen as a Secret Santa beneficiary.

After Nate asked about the whole situation, he handed Steven his Secret Santa gift. Steven opened the box.

It was full of gift cards.

YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News

Inside the box were gas cards worth $2,000 to cover his fuel expenses, since he drives from home to work (a 45-minute drive, he added).

It also had $3,000 in gift cards for groceries and clothing.

But that’s not all.

To address their heating problems, Secret Santa gave Steven $5,000!

YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News
Source:
YouTube Screenshot|East Idaho News

This will cover the cost of their furnace repair or they can even buy a new one. Everything that Secret Santa gave will help their family and will go a long way.

This gives Steven some time to breathe and lighten the load off his shoulders. Thanks to Secret Santa!

We hope this inspires you to give and help someone this season.

Watch Steven open his gifts in the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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