Let me introduce myself. I am Kenneth Deever Jr., aka, The Moulton Santa. I am the founder of Rooftop Foundation. I grew up in a meager home and established a roofing business that has now allowed me to give back to the community.
I wanted to do something for the "at need" children in a low-income area. These kids don't have a Christmas like ours and would never be able to buy gifts for others. I selected Moulton School. Moulton School has the lowest income per capita of any school in the Des Moines area. Less than five percent of the families own their own homes in that area. The children all receive free breakfast and lunch through the school. I wanted to teach the children that it is truly better to give than to receive. I contacted the school and told them of my plan.
The students have to earn the right to be a part of Christmas for Kids With a Wish. They can't have any marks against them for poor behavior or work not turned in. Once the parents give permission to go, the children are in for a real treat. Each child is provided with a holiday t-shirt. We have over 60 guides that take approximately 120 children to McDonald's for a full breakfast. Santa usually makes an appearance at McDonald's as well as his elf. After breakfast, the children are again boarding the bus and heading for Wal-Mart.
The Foundation has provided each student with a$30$40 gift card to purchase gifts for someone other than themselves. I recall one student buying a set of dishes for her mother so they would have plates to eat their meals. After they have shopped, they again board the bus and head back to school. Their guide meets them and helps them wrap the presents they have purchased. Santa usually makes an appearance at the school and gives them their own gift bag, which has gifts and candy for them. They are then released to their parents.
Words can only tell about the program. To really get a sense of what the program is about and how the children react to the event, watch our DVD. The pictures paint a thousand words when it comes to the smiles on the children's faces.
