The Herald-Sun
DURHAM, N.C. — Staratta Black had her heart set on some delicious pork chops when she entered Los Primos grocery on East Main Street Thursday afternoon.
What she didn’t expect was that someone in a red-and-white suit would pay her bill at the checkout line.
That someone was Santa Claus.
Santa, a Durham city firefighter in his “day” job, handed the cashier $60 for Black’s cart of food — including whiting, bacon, fruits and vegetables.
That was more than a small token for Black, who lives solely on her $721 monthly disability check.
“It was a blessing!” Black said. “I thank God and everybody else who was involved.”
Three off-duty Durham Fire Department firefighters dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus and an elf brought merriment to dozens of shoppers — many in wheelchairs and others walking with canes. Their stomachs were empty but their hearts were full of gratitude.
“We like knowing that people will have more at Christmas than they might normally have,” said Santa, who stood beside a cashier with wads of cash totaling $3,000 donated by firefighters throughout the department.
Shoppers’ mouths dropped when Santa handed over money for their groceries.
“Oh, I’m very happy, and thank you very much,” 32-year-old Roberto Santos said after having his canned beef, beans and Oreos paid for by Santa. Santos works as a pressure washer and supports his wife and daughter.
Laverda Pride, 54, was taken by surprise when she checked out.
“I had no idea Santa would be here,” she said after Santa paid $72 for her cart of meats. “I praise God for the blessing.”
Blanca Reayes has two sons, ages 2 and 7, but no job. The $50 worth of milk, cheese, eggs and chocolate made her day brighter.
For the third year in a row, store owner Miquel Collado donated a large chunk of his own money to the cause.
“A lot of people here are in need,” he said as a line of people spilled out the entrance and into the parking lot. “Their food stamps are not enough. We need to create more jobs around here.”
Collado said he’s happy to let the giveaway cut into his profits, because it helps the suffering and builds goodwill.
“People thank me year-round for this,” he said. “I didn’t do it myself. I’m only part of the deal. It’s a wonderful thing to come in here hungry and know you’re going to be fed. We’re blessed.”
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