By Paige Gurgainers
Christmas may be over, but the impact made by one specific “Santa Claus” will continue to be felt across north Webster Parish for months to come.
Izzy Stutz first played the part of “Santa” in 1992, when he was only 15 years old for the Burbank Volunteer Fire Department that he was also a member of.
“I have been doing Santa almost every year since,” said Stutz. “I have played Santa Claus in the United States. I have done Santa Claus in Canada and in Mexico. I am a member and in good standing with IBRBS, the World’s Largest Organization of Professional Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Spouses, and Associates.
This is his second year playing his part in Webster Parish where he is originally from.
“My family’s from here. My grandparents, James and Marvel Williams, ran the drive through that was next to the old sonic here in town. I was originally born in the area but due to a lot of medical issues that could not be addressed at the hospitals in the area, I had to be moved up towards the Canadian border in Ohio where the Cleveland Clinic was,” explained Stutz. “I was raised and schooled there. When my health improved as a young adult. I moved back to my hometown of Springhill, and I have been here ever since trying to help as many people as I can.”
Stutz has spent the last month making rounds in his town and surrounding communities. He could be found sitting at the gazebo with a line of children patiently (or impatiently) waiting to take photos and tell “Santa” the details of their Christmas list.
He frequented the local schools, neighborhoods and nursing homes, no doubt bringing a smile and getting everyone in the Christmas spirit. But his impact goes beyond that.
Although he did not charge a dime for any of his appearances, he gratefully accepted donations, which he in turn used to help someone else put food on the table and joy in their hearts.
“I have walked every street and met almost every person personally in the last few years during my recovery from my last bout of cancer,” he said. “I check on those who are mostly forgotten in the community- the elderly and the disabled. These groups generally do not have a lot of people checking on them very often like they should.”
He can be found at local food drives and stocking the Little Free Pantries around town, as well. “I try to make sure that everybody always has food. In this country, even with this economy, there is no excuse for a single person to go hungry,” said Stutz.
Christmas may be over and in most cases that also means that Santa retires for the next 364 days, but not the Springhill Santa. According to Stutz he plans to do a year-round Santa Claus with his next appearance projected to take place around Mardi Gras.
If you would like to assist the Springhill Santa on his future missions, please donate here: