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A mysterious "Secret Santa" has brought hope and financial relief to residents of Avery County, North Carolina, still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
This anonymous, wealthy businessman has become a beacon of hope for communities in need, giving away $100,000 in $100 bills each holiday season. His goal is simple yet profound — to remind people that, even in the face of tragedy, hope can endure.
This week, Secret Santa arrived in Avery County, an area still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene three months after the storm destroyed homes, displaced families, and left a lasting emotional impact.
He moved quietly through the town, approaching strangers in parking lots, grocery stores, and even motel rooms where many displaced residents are still seeking shelter. While some people were skeptical of the stranger handing out money, it didn't take long for them to realize his intentions were pure.
“I think when people go through tragedy, they can lose their house — all their belongings,” Secret Santa told CBS News. “But what they can't lose is hope. And maybe we can give a little hope.”
One of the most emotional encounters involved Jamie Guinn, a man who experienced unimaginable loss during Hurricane Helene.
As the storm intensified, a mudslide tore through Jamie's garage, leaving him and his wife, Melissa, in shock. Despite the destruction, Jamie found solace in the fact that they still had each other. "I grabbed ahold of her and I said, 'At least we got each other. We can fix the house,'" Jamie told CBS News.
But the tragedy was far from over. Just minutes later, a second, more powerful mudslide ripped through their home, destroying it entirely. Jamie survived, but his wife did not. The grief of that moment still haunts him. “I remember just getting crushed,” he said.
When Secret Santa visited Jamie, it wasn’t just the financial support that brought him comfort — it was the empathy and compassion of a stranger. "You haven't really lost her because she's with you, and she's smiling down on you right now," Secret Santa told him. These words of solace, accompanied by a warm hug, meant far more to Jamie than the money ever could.
For Secret Santa, the most valuable part of his mission isn’t the money — it’s the connection and compassion he shares with those in need.
"That's the gift — that you haven't been forgotten about, that we do know you're there," he said. "And we do care." His philosophy is that kindness serves as a bridge between people — one that cannot be burned, bombed, or washed away by even the most powerful flood. It’s always there, waiting for people to cross.
Each year, this Secret Santa travels the country seeking out people who need a reminder that they are seen, valued, and cared for. His actions have inspired countless others to embrace kindness and support their communities.
His annual acts of generosity have become a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of hope and human connection. As he continues his mission, those he meets are left not only with financial support but with a renewed sense of hope that someone, somewhere, cares about them.
