KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – What makes a Santa Claus? Is it the red and white suit, the rosy cheeks or the jolly laugh that makes the most skeptical smile? Is it the long white beard and bushy eyebrows, the large belly like a bowl full of jelly, the playful wink as if to say, “your secret’s safe with me,” or is it the kindness in which he gives and gives unconditionally?

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. Known for his kindness, righteousness and secret gift-giving, St. Nicholas gave rise to the traditional image of Santa Claus. Some described him as a tall, jubilant man with a long white beard, the emblem of good cheer and faithfulness.

Pastor Keith Hatch of Center Cross Ministries is committed to carrying on the tradition.

“I have always loved Christmas, everything about Christmas. As a Pastor, yes, but I love the joy and socialization of the season when you get out and talk to folks, old friends, new friends,” Hatch said.

For the pastor, Christmas is a time of charity, spreading joy and spending time with family and friends. It’s a time to reflect on our values and relationship with family, community and, most importantly, with the son of God, Jesus Christ.

“That is the true meaning of Christmas,” he asked. “It is the greatest gift that anyone can receive.”

So how did a pastor become Santa Claus?

“Santa Claus is more than just a big man in a red suit on the back of a sleigh,” he said. “I realized I had the chance to do a lot of good in this city.”

Hatch’s first memory of Santa Claus was watching his father dress up on Christmas Eve.

“He would call little children he knew and tell them that Santa Claus was just about to lift off in his sleigh,” he said. “So this is something I have always wanted to do, and when you pull together the element of serving others and Christmas, that’s what it’s all about. And that’s what Center Cross Ministry is about as well.”

In 2019, Pastor Keith became the beloved “official” Santa Claus of Keystone Heights. He has visited several schools and daycares in the area. After visiting two other schools, he went to Keystone Elementary where one of the last children opened his eyes to the real impact he could have on the community.

“I had heard of all the Christmas dreams and wishes, from the latest X-box, PlayStation, newest tennis shoe, doll baby and smartphone, when this young child no older than 8 sat on my knee and shared his Christmas dream,” Hatch said. “When I asked him, ‘What would he like for Christmas?’ he said, ‘Could you bring some food for the table.’ I was slightly thrown off my sleigh by that response. After gathering my emotion, I asked, ‘Well, if I could bring you food for the table, what could I bring you?’ He said in the same humble voice, ‘Could you bring jobs for mom and dad?’”

Christmas can be a burdensome time for families. The cost of Christmas becomes even more acute for low-income households, many struggling to cover normal household bills. Some have to make the impossible choices between buying their child a Christmas present or paying rent.

“Economically, a lot of folks are struggling to buy groceries to put food on the table. People are being laid off from (their) jobs. That’s just where we are,” Hatch said. “One thing led to the other. We started putting up mailboxes when COVID hit because we couldn’t get into the schools. As we were reading these letters, we stated identified needs within the community, and I said we have to find a way to address these issues, so we started working with Mission on the Dirt Road and the Lake Area Ministries.”

That’s how the Claus Ministry was born. Pastor Hatch felt God lead him to develop a mission and ministry in Keystone Heights and the surrounding area. That mission is to identify children and families who need assistance and to provide them with the Joy of Christmas.

“We began reaching out to parents,” Hatch said. “We usually have return addresses on the letter, so we reach out and find the parents and ask if there is any way we can assist them; with food, clothes, or anything like that.” Since then, the Claus Ministry has assisted 10 families and approximately 45-50 children and family members. This effort was accomplished with the help of the Community Church of Keystone Heights, local area businesses, Lake Region Kiwanis and many other people. Claus Ministry has provided food, clothes, toys for the children and a Bible to each family.

“We want to ensure that every child feels special during Christmas. We want to see smiles on their faces and laughter in their voices. This is what it’s all about,” Hatch said.

Santa Claus is often described as a Miracle Worker. Not only does the Santa of Keystone Heights bring joy to children, but he also gives them hope.

“A mother called me last night. Her child had a severe operation and she wanted him to meet Santa Claus without all the other children, so I called her, and her son had time with Santa Claus,” he said. “In the end, I knelt to pray for him, his recovery, his comfort and his family. I asked his mother if I could pray for her child, and after she said yes. I turned to the child and asked if I could pray for him. I’ve prayed for him. I’ve prayed for many of the children and their parents.

”That’s an opportunity to share God’s love not only in a gift but in letting them know there is more support than what is right here on earth.”

If you would like to support Claus Ministry, you can write checks directly to the ministry or donate on Venmo, which can be found on Claus Ministry on their Facebook page.

“We’re hoping that these funds go past Christmas into the year. Every donation goes towards the children and their families,” Hatch said.“ Any unused funds will be donated to local area resources that assist children in need throughout the year or as long as the funds last.”

The goal is to keep the spirit of giving last beyond December and throughout the year.

“Keep the true joy and peace of Christmas at the center of everything, and not just Christmas day, but every day of the year,” Hatch said.