A local Santa recently received a poignant note from a little girl who simply asked, "Dear Santa, can I have my dad back?" Santa responded with a warm hug and a promise to pray for her. He meticulously wrote her name down in a little red book and continued to pray for her every night for a week. This act of kindness became a daily ritual as he prayed for all the children whose wishes he couldn't fulfill.

The Impact of Santa's Prayers

There was the girl who pleaded with Santa to help her dad get out of prison. And there was a boy who requested bug spray as his house was infested with bugs. Despite not being able to fix everything, Santa collaborated with Got Faith? Ministry in Jerseyville and arranged for an exterminator to visit the boy's home. Steve Pegram, the founder of Got Faith?, explained that he is Santa's cousin. He facilitated RiverBender.com's connection with Santa during the busy Christmas season, and Santa has a heartfelt message for all the kids and families this year.

The Magic of Entering Through the Heart

Santa is constantly reminded of a crucial lesson during Santa School. Every year, 300 of his helpers gather to learn how to best represent the jolly man in the red suit. Pegram started assisting Santa 30 years ago when his daughter's daycare was in need of a Santa, and he was the only one who fit the suit. Each Santa has a unique way of handling when kids ask if they're real. Pegram's cousin Santa tells them that he must be real because he knows their address: 1444 Mockingbird Lane. When the kids doubt, he assures them that it's their rooftop address. (Some parents might recognize this address from "The Munsters," which happens to be one of Santa's favorite shows.)

The Elves and the Art of Gratitude

Santa has 540 elves who work tirelessly. Occasionally, kids ask for big gifts that the elves might struggle to make. Santa never makes empty promises but always assures them that he will do his best. He explains that even the elves make mistakes sometimes, but that's okay as we all have our moments of imperfection. He asks the kids to be thankful for whatever they receive, and the answer is always a resounding yes.

Busy Christmas Season and Beyond

Every year, Santa meets thousands of kids at various events like Jerseyville's Downtown Country Christmas Festival or Eckert's in Belleville. Pegram shared that anyone who mentions Got Faith? at Eckert's on Dec. 18, 2024, will contribute to Got Faith? receiving 10% of the sale. This year, Santa's calendar is completely booked from November through New Year's Day. In addition to his Santa duties, he makes sure to attend the Christmas Midnight Mass at St. Francis Catholic Church in Jerseyville. The bells on his boots jingle as he enters the silent cathedral, walks to the front, bows to his knees, and prays. He leaves without uttering a word.

The Spirit of Giving and Helping

It is of great importance to Pegram that Santa shares his faith. He lives by 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 - "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." This scripture has guided him through life's challenges, including the loss of two children and his decision to start Got Faith? to assist others in need. Pegram noted that the spirit of Santa and Christmas extends beyond one person. In 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people were concerned that Santa couldn't fulfill his regular duties. However, "this Santa from Jerseyville" was able to meet with kids with the help of the community. The Jersey Community High School shop class built him a globe, and Cope Plastics donated a plastic sphere so Santa could stand inside and interact with children.

The Power of Small Acts

Santa and Pegram strive to help others in various ways, whether through prayer, meeting with kids, or working with Got Faith? Ministry. Santa emphasized that people can make a significant impact on each other's lives every day. He believes that he has the privilege of wearing a red suit and making a difference, but it's not limited to just him. Everyone has the ability to bring joy and make a positive change.