18 hours Ago
The following year, the festivities ballooned to an even bigger giveaway as local businesses pitched in to collect donations. Fifteen years later, he’s still going. Known to his more than 4,000 Facebook fans as “The Real Santa Claus” Harrington began his red-suited adventures in 2009 whilst working as a detective for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department.
Galvanized by bleak displays of holiday spirit, especially in the area’s low-income communities, Harrington decided to spread some Christmas cheer by dressing up as Santa Claus and throwing a parade with his fellow officers. Since then, he’s sown seasonal magic from Canajoharie to Nigeria. “In Florida, as well as everywhere else, there were a lot of people losing their loved ones and their children to the war on drugs and to different things.
.. it was specifically Christmas that spirits were really low,” said Harrington, who resides in Montgomery County.
“I wanted to figure out a way that I could do something for those individuals that would just give them a little bright spot in such a miserable time.” With his own money, Harrington bought “tons” of candy and a Santa costume, bringing ol’ Saint Nick to children who may have missed out otherwise. “You shouldn’t ever have to pay to see Santa Claus,” said Harrington, who always appears free of charge.
He noted that some families may not be able to afford the oft-pricey photo packages available at a typical mall Santa set-up. Additionally, he considered children with disabilities who struggle with overstimulation at such locations. “We're just going to try to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and bring a little light to some struggling families,” he said, recalling what he told his fellow officers at the time.
So, Harrington mapped out a route, focusing on lower-income communities, and then he and his colleagues made their way through Jacksonville. The first parade was such a success that a second candy run became necessary. In 2016, when Harrington retired, he had collected and distributed 2000 gifts that year alone.
From socks to brand-new bikes, children and adults alike received a reminder of holiday joy. While his work as a detective came to an end, Harrington was not quite ready to say goodbye to Kris Kringle. So, with the help of a friend, he created The Real Santa Claus Facebook page as a means to further connect with even more people.
“I've talked to children and families in England, in the Bahamas, in Canada,” said Harrington. Those interested in writing a letter to Santa can email Harrington at [email protected] .
He always replies, he said. Setting Harrington apart from other Santas is that he operates year-round. Through Facebook lives, emailing and visits, the season runs from New Year’s Day to New Year’s Eve.
“Some just want to talk. Some want to request certain things. I've had children ask me to pray with them.
I've had adults ask me to pray with them. I've had many requests,” said Harrington. Most recently he served as the Canajoharie Town Santa and this week he’ll make appearances in Cobleskill.
Harrington’s wife grew up near Troy and the couple now reside in St. Johnsville..
