Ohio parishioner has played Santa role for 45 years

Published: 2003-12-22

TOLEDO, Ohio (CNS) -- Back in 1958, Tim Stapleton took on a role he has played each year since: Santa Claus. At the time, 19-year-old Stapleton was home on military leave at Thanksgiving. He knew he wouldn't be home for Christmas so he decided to do something special for his 2-year-old sister and 10-year-old brother. Stapleton bought a Santa suit in Toledo for $8.95 and he's been Santa every year since. Now, 45 years later, 1,500 kids and a good number of senior citizens sit on Stapleton's lap each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. He visits schools, churches, hospitals, preschools, senior centers, company parties, parades and even private homes. He also visits his home parish, Sacred Heart in Toledo, for the feast of St. Nicholas, and tells the school students about St. Nick and the history of Santa Claus around the world.

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