- Image via Wikipedia
It is a familiar sight, the blur of white and Christmas red: a man waits on a corner, braving the scatters of snow, the unforgiving cold. In his hand is a bell, ringing deliberately among the crowds. He doesn’t beg for money. He doesn’t shame those who pass him by, reminding them of the pennies they can give. Instead he simply calls out greetings for the seasons and thanks the ones who stop to offer what they can. Even the most meager donations are welcomed by him. He wishes only to collect all that is offered and provide it then to the ones who need it most.
He is a Sidewalk Santa — and his tradition of good deeds is one that has spanned two centuries.
Founded in 1900, the Sidewalk Santa charity — affiliated with the Volunteers of America program — began as way to combat the strains of the time. The country was reeling still from the effects of war, trying to keep pace with the industrial age. And conditions were appalling for the poor; with individuals unable to provide for themselves or their families. There was a wide disparity between the wealthy and the misfortunate (with the middle class not yet fully established).
To ease the burden of the underprivileged, five men were charged to dress as Santa Claus and walked the streets of Los Angeles — asking for any coins that could be spared. Their original goal was to raise $500.00 (a massive sum for the time). Instead, however, they managed to surpass it: earning $800.00 before the night was through.
Of course, they also managed to rouse the anger of the police and were tossed into jail for aggravating the public. But their efforts were still considered a success and the Sidewalk Santa charity soon sprawled beyond the borders of California and found its way into every state.
And that happy tradition has continued without fail for over 100 years.
