Secret Santa gives $25,000 to the needy

A man who calls himself the Secret Santa was today walking the streets of New York to give $100 notes to the needy.

The mystery businessman is giving out a total of $25,000 dollars of his own money to the homeless, disabled and unemployed.

His donations were a bid to help the city hit by the September 11 attacks, which have caused the economy to slump and thousands of people to lose their jobs.

The Secret Santa comes from Kansas City, and is an institution in the city, where he has given out hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash each Christmas since 1979.

But this year he spread his generosity to New York, giving $5,00 to a church which is feeding workers at Ground Zero, and walking along busy 34th Street, outside top store Macy’s, in pursuit of the needy.

‘‘It’s something that never happened to them before,’’ Secret Santa told USA Today newspaper.

‘‘It restores some faith in humanity. I’ve lived the story, so I know it’s definitely more blessed to give than receive, because it comes back to you many, many times over.’’

Among those who received the cash were single mother Ann Marina, 33, who was walking on 34th Street when Secret Santa have her $100.

‘‘Is this real? It’s incredible. No-one has ever given me money before. I never even find money,’’ she said.

Tempia Emmanuel, 53, another recipient, said: ‘‘I’ve never had anyone give me anything, and I’ve been working since I was eight years old.’’

During his three-day trip to Manhattan, which began on Tuesday, the mystery giver was guarded by two police officers and wore a multi-pocketed waistcoat filled with cash, and a red Santa hat.

‘‘There are certain people who are really in bad trouble and they need a lift,’’ he said. ‘‘You’d have thought I just gave them a million dollars.

‘‘It’s very embarrassing for any person to have to ask for help. You feel like a failure, a loser. And when you lose your self-esteem, that’s when you start losing hope.’’

The businessman started giving out cash after pledging he would do something for the poor when he was homeless and penniless himself.

‘‘I said, Lord, if you ever put me in a position to help other people, I will do it’,’’ he said.

One of the recipients of his generosity, 19-year-old security guard and new father James Frazier, said: ‘‘Is he Santa Claus? I believe in Santa Claus. I grew out of it when I was 10, but now I believe in Santa Claus.’’