"Secret Santas" Strike Again

(CBS)  Each year at this time, Steve Hartman tells us about people who need a little Christmas, right this very minute, who suddenly find an angel.

For 84-year-old Maggie Adams, Christmas is usually just another cold, winter day. A widow on a fixed income, Maggie struggles just to keep kerosene in the boiler.

"I don't have money to 'em for it," she said.

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That was her big worry on this day. The day Maggie Adams just happened to drop by a local thrift store - where she just happened upon a stranger in a red hat - who just happened to be just the angels Maggie needed.

Steve Hartman's 2007 Secret Santa Story
Steve Hartman's 2008 Secret Santa Story
This Santa is Real, but Very Secret
Kansas City's Secret Santa is at it Again

"We're Secret Santas," said the person in the red hat. "We wanted to give you a gift."

What happened to Maggie is actually happening to thousands of people across the country this holiday season.

In Charlotte, Detroit, and, if you're lucky a town near you - athere are reports of these red-capped Santa's going up to people and just handing them a hundred dollar bills. The Santas insist on anonymity -- but they're part of a growing network of wealthy business people, CEO's mostly, who together plan to hand out about $300,000 this year -- because they all share the same crazy notion: to make the world a better place.

The Santas do their best to find those most in need. They target thrift stores, restaurant kitchens, city buses.

Everyone gets a hundred dollars - at least.

Maggie got enough to warm her heart - and then some. She ordered 100 gallons of kerosene.

It sure sounds like this Christmas is going to be anything but, just another cold, winter day.

"It's about one of the most wonderful things that could have happened," Maggie said.

[mcbride67]

I HAVE JUST LEFT MY GRANDMOTHERS HOUSE AND SHE WAS TICKLED ABOUT GETTING THE MONEY. SHE AND HER FRIEND NEVER EXPECTED TO GET THAT GREAT GIFT. IT WAS A GOD SEND JUST LIKE SHE SAID. SHE NOW HAS ENOUGH OIL TO KEEP HER WARM FOR A WHILE. SHE IS NOT ONE TO ACCEPT THINGS OFF THE CUFF BUT WHEN THEY COME IN THE FORM OF A GOD SEND THAN IT MAKES THINGS ALL BETTER. THANKS AGAIN FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE.

[gudgio]

Live simply so that others may simply live.

[wtcmedicdidntforget]

FINALLY SOMETHING WONDERFUL TO READ!! and its not by a dictator in a foriegn country! THANK YOU BUSINESS OWNERS!!!

[oldsport50]

Unfortunately the givers are the problem. If they were compensated like Japanese CEOs who do a BETTER job, there would be more money and jobs for workers and stockholders. And then more tax money to help Maggie thru more govt programs and/or lower utility prices!

[661943]

I would very much like to help Ms Maggie Adams, to stay warm for the
rest of the winter, and maybe any other utilities she needs help with. Could you please put me in contact with her.
There are so many , out there that needs help....if only every one
able , would just help one person..maybe things wouldnt be so bad.
Barbara

[mcbride67]

BARBARA
I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO HELP MY GRANDMOTHER PLEASE E MAIL ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU HER ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER [e-mail]

[linfinster]

All these people who want to donate to Maggie ... try looking around your corner of the county. Maggies exist everywhere, just about. find someone desperate where you live.

[wtcmedicdidntforget]

very well said!

[tangeemct]

Maggie stole my heart. I wish I could help her financially but we can't even pay Duke Energy this month.

2009jobsearch: I feel your pain, I truly do. I've been sending out 50 resumes a week and we've lost almost everything. But you must keep trying and know that no matter how bad you have it, someone has it worse! Our family is not having Christmas this year, but we DO have each other. Maggie has no one. Hang in there, and look around for your blessings. They are there, I promise!

I would love to donate groceries to Maggie and maybe have her for Christmas dinner! I save tons and tons on groceries and donate lots of them to shelters and such. Please contact me if I can help! Oh and join thegrocerygame.com it's free and shows you how to save 70% on groceries with coupons and sales!

Happy Holidays!

Tangee Wilson
[e-mail]

[annadrejer]

I would like to donate to Maggie Adams as well. Please let me know how I could do that.

Thanks!
Anna Drejer

[mcbride67]

ANNA
THANKS FOR THE OFFER TO HELP MY GRANDMOTHER PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN HELP YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH HER [e-mail]

[2009jobsearch]

Not enough.
300K is not enough.

Steve in the report, you said the donors are CEOs. Seeing as the CEOs and CFOs in US Corporations are part of this economic mess up, they need to pay out more.

300K is/was a lot of money, and sure as hell I could use a few hundred myself. Honestly had I been offered 100.00 I would have given it to someone else, what I NEED is a job.

Not to be entirely sober or Grinch-like, sure this was a nice thing to do and I am glad that little old lady got 400.00. I would have done as much.

But honestly 300K? It should be a min of 1 million.

[ffoulkes-2009]

Now who the heck are you to determine how much people (out of the goodness of their hearts) give to someone?

[Justme8811]

Merry Christmas secret Santa's! And to everyone!

[CarolynMarczak]

I would like to donate to the elderly lady, Maggie, who was given money by the Secret Santas on tonight's news. How do I do that?

Carolyn Marczak
[e-mail]