Photo By Jennifer Scales | The transformation begins as Carol Ann Porter, niece and beautician to Veteran...... read more read more
Santa has helpers all around the world. But there is one ‘Veteran Santa’ in the mix at the Columbia VA Health Care System who is extra special amongst all his ‘helpers’. Marine Veteran Donald Miner has been playing the part of Santa at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center for the past five years through the Voluntary Service Office.
Why?
“Because I want to give a dose of happiness to other Veterans and let them know they are never forgotten during the holidays,” Miner said.
With the help of his niece Carol Ann Porter, who is a beautician in the beauty salon Hair Designs in Columbia, the Winnsboro native is transformed into a replica of the jolly man in the red suit.
The transformation usually begins right after Veterans Day in November, because throughout the year his beard and hair may darken.
The process to get his hair (which just happens to be his very own…from the top of his head to his chinny chin-chin), ready for the holiday includes pre-lightening, conditioning, c0-washing, leave-in conditioners, curling, flat ironing and other secrets of the Santa hair preparation.
“My uncle can’t use any over the counter items in his hair,” Porter added. His products are mostly from the specialty beauty stores.
When it’s time to get ready for the seasonal events that Miner participates, Porter is the one who manages him from hair to chin. The rest is done by his ‘magical suit’.
“Yes, my suit is magic,” Miner says, as it makes his transformation complete, from his relatively slim build to that of a person who has a ‘belly like a bowl full of jelly’.
Miner makes the rounds of the Dorn VAMC from the hallways, canteen, offices and behind the scenes places such as nutrition services and sterile process services.
Unlike some places where you have to pay a fee to take a picture with Santa, Miner invites anyone to take a photo with him at no charge. “Some families cannot afford the price to take a holiday picture with Santa,” Miner said. “I never turn down the opportunity to take a photo with children of all ages, without charging anything, other than a hug and a smile.”
Miner also visits schools before Christmas holiday breaks begin. The local Winnsboro library also gives him the time to come in for free photos and holiday readings for the community to enjoy.
On many occasions, the Santa Miner family will get in on the action. Miner’s wife, Betty, of course will step in as Mrs. Claus while his granddaughter, Hannah Ruthland, may accompany him on many of his visits as an elf.
Even when the gig is done, Miner may try to take a respite with family in Oswego, New York; however, with his familiarity so close to Santa, it’s even hard to do so when there.
“That’s when I have to put on Santa’s summertime gear,” Miner said. “This usually consists of me wearing a red tee shirt and shorts. People find it amusing to see ‘Santa’ on vacation in New York during the summer. So, I go along with it.”
Of all the moments that Miner shares with Veterans, he notes that playing this role during the holiday season helps him out personally. “This gives me an opportunity to get over my own medical issues and help Veterans who may be depressed and anxious during the holiday,” he says. “The holidays, especially when you find yourself alone or in the hospital, can be challenging.”
One Veteran who was especially bitter during the Christmas season a few years ago comes to mind. When Miner went into his room, the only picture the Veteran had on his wall was that of his dog. Miner, a fellow Veteran, shared some of his Marine Corps experiences with him. Before Miner left his room, the Veteran asked to take a picture with him, which he was more than willing to do. When Miner checked back on the Veteran later in the season, there was the picture also on the wall that he had taken with the Veteran. “It was all about seeing him in a ‘Veteran to Veteran’ way,” Miner said.
Even though the ‘magic suit’ is put away around December 26 of each year, Miner is available for events anywhere in South Carolina, provided there is no alcohol served. Contact information for him is located on his Facebook page of Donald Miner; email at papadonto4@aol.com; or calling 803.381.3600.
| Date Taken: | 12.07.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.12.2018 14:23 |
| Story ID: | 303218 |
| Location: | COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 131 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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