Santa impersonator steals presents

WILLIAMS, Ind. (WISH) - A collection of crimson Santa hats helps tell the story of a tradition spanning two decades.

What started out a project to help a friend in need has blossomed.

West of Bedford, in the small town of Williams, folks always call Joe Burnette “Santa Joe.”

Burnette collects new and gently used toys for children whose parents need help during the Holiday.

 “(It) started out with two kids in the neighborhood,” Burnette said. “Their dad injured his back and wasn’t going to be able to afford Christmas for them.”

Then, Santa Joe was helping a friend in need. 

But twenty one years later his giving spirit still exists, but the need has evolved.

And someone is trying to take advantage of his kindness.

A local business was collecting new toys to donate to Burnette. When he called to arrange a time to pick the items up the owner told him, “Someone dressed up in a Santa suit came in and said they were there to pick up the donated toys.”

Deliliah Burnette said she cried when her husband told her what happened.

She added, if anyone in the community need help supplying Christmas gifts for children, they would help.

“We had looked forward to picking up these toys because we need the new toys to put with the used toys,” she said.

Joe Burnette said he has 165 kids on his list this year.

“I try to give every kid new items along with the used stuff that I have,” he said.

After reporting the incident to police, someone left   a box of new toys in the driveway of the Burnette home.  Eleven days before Christmas Santa Joe is confident his tradition will continue.

“God won’t give you a job to do and then not make it possible,” he said.  

Anyone who wants to make donations or drop off toys should call 812.388-5557