On Saturday, the atypical children of the Russell Home in Orlando will receive a very special surprise: a visit from Santa Claus by airboat.
For the last 39 years, 82-year-old Dave Johnson has dressed up as Santa Claus and brought toys to the children of the Russell Home.
The Russell Home is the first nonprofit institution in the country for brain-damaged, atypical children. It consists of a nursery, dormitory wing, playrooms, living rooms, a kitchen and large laundry room.
“It makes my heart feel good every year I do it,” said Johnson. “I love those kids.”
In 1979, the Russell Home was looking for a local Santa Claus to visit the children and bring them pre-wrapped gifts. As president of the Osceola Airboat Association, Johnson came up with the idea to deliver the presents via airboat.
Each child receives gifts specially chosen for him or her. The Russell Home staff provides Johnson and the Osceola Airboat Association with a list of names, and suggestions for each child bases on his or her interests.
“The people of the Russell Home bring the children down to the lakeside, while we’re on an island about three miles away,” Johnson said. “We have a spy down there who calls us when everyone is lined up.”
Once the spy calls in, the airboats make their way to the Boggy Creek Resort and RV Campgrounds, 3705 Big Bass Road, Kissimmee, formerly known as the East Lake Fish Camp, to greet the children.
Santa Claus will arrive with his airboat of presents Saturday between 10 and 11 a.m. where the children are expected to receive gifts this year. The public is welcome to come celebrate with them.
“It’s a crying affair. The first time I did it, I didn’t know if I could do it again.” Johnson said. “But I will keep on doing this for as long as I can move.”
For more information on the Russell Home, visit http://russellhome.org.
