11 Good News Christmas Stories To Fill You With Holiday Cheer

ACROSS AMERICA — A star was born four years ago when Bob Lee decided to grow his beard for “No Shave November,” which raises money for cancer research.

The Audubon, New Jersey, sexagenarian’s beard was white and fluffy.

“I started getting that look from people,” Lee told Patch’s Caren Lissner, “and some comments.”

He was such a ringer for St. Nick that he got gigs as a mall Santa, movie and television roles, and live appearances. He spilled plenty of Santa’s secrets, the least of which are getting peed on and poked at. » By Caren Lissner for Maplewood Patch

‘I Don’t Know That It’s A Miracle, But …’

The Eick family in Hillsborough, New Jersey, couldn’t have received a better Christmas gift. Four-year-old Adeline’s December brain and spine MRIs showed her tumor is stable, the same result shown on scans taken in September and June. Adeline’s cancer journey began at birth, and she has since undergone countless scans, procedures, surgeries and daily medications. “It’s exciting news,” her dad, Ed, told Patch’s Alexis Tarrazi. “We really are so happy that we get to enjoy Christmas with her.” While there’s no cure for Adeline’s type of brain cancer, the new treatments are showing positive results. “I don’t know if it’s a miracle,” Ed said, “but it’s shrinking things.” » By Alexis Tarrazi for Hillsborough Patch

Hop On The Santa Bus …

There’s the white beard. And the warm smile. And, of course, a red suit and hat trimmed in white. Could it be Santa has been driving students in Pennsylvania’s Pennsbury School District to and from school? No, it’s Paul Opeilski, “a great guy,” Katie Cotton Van Hise told Patch’s Dino Ciliberti. Her kids have been delighted by Opeilski’s presence, not just at Christmastime, but throughout the school year. She teared up when she saw Opeilski impersonating Santa, and wrote on Facebook she is “so grateful for this man and his spirit!” » By Dino Ciliberti for Yardley Patch

Santa Sees What Kids Want

Erika Rothermel can’t wait to read and respond to the letters to Santa she receives as one of the big guy’s top elves. Written in braille and answered in kind, the letters not only ensure that blind or visually impaired children in a five-county area of Pennsylvania aren’t left out of holiday magic, but also learn to express themselves and be understood. Rothermel, 29, told Patch’s Holly Herman that her college roommate was visually impaired, igniting a passion that plays out every day at VisionCorps, a nonprofit that helps children under 5 learn how to communicate in braille and lead independent lives. » By Holly Herman for Phoenixville Patch

Santa Finds Forgotten Kids

Four decades ago, Kevin Burger discovered something awful. “Santa had never visited” some students in the elementary school where he was principal, so he set out to make sure they found something under the tree. In the years since, Kevin’s Kids has grown into a community-wide effort in Manchester, New Jersey, to raise money to shop for specific wish lists submitted by families. This year, Santa visited 400 children and their families, a record year for the project. » By Karen Wall for Manchester Patch

Santa Comes To Elfie’s House

As a single mom, Dawn Castronuovo was on the receiving end of holiday charity. She’s married and on more secure financial footing now, and told her husband she wanted to repay the kindness she had received by organizing her own holiday drive, Elfie’s House. Her modest goal to collect 100 toys was surpassed many times over, with more 1,210 toys collected for children in the New Jersey towns of Barnegat and Stafford. Castronuovo told Patch’s Veronica Flesher she plans to include more towns next year. “This has been such an incredible experience, and once again, I can’t thank everyone enough who supported us,” she said. » By Veronica Flesher for Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch

Santa Is A Turkey

Well, not really, but cops in Shorewood, Illinois, are playing Santa and giving away turkeys instead of traffic tickets. Alan Lake, a retired Air Force colonel, cooked up the Operation Turkey Warning surprise with the Shorewood Police Department, whose officers sent 17 motorists on their way, each with a frozen turkey, a $25 gift certificate and a warning. “Drivers have been both surprised and thankful for the thoughtfulness of the holiday spirit,” Shorewood Police Chief Phil Arnold said. “People have been happy to not just get a warning for the infraction, but also the kindness of a turkey.” » By Jeff Arnold for Shorewood Patch

Santa Says ‘Whew’

The spirit of Santa lives at The Firehouse Chapel in Orland Park, Illinois, where Alexis Rodriguez arranged for $13,000 in Sam’s Club gift cards to dole out to families in need. One problem: The store hadn’t activated the cards, which made them useless when people tried to use them. Rodriguez made frantic phone calls, sent emails and posted about the dilemma on social media. Several days, sleepless nights and public pleas later, the situation was resolved and Sam’s Club said it would give families new gift cards, for a greater amount than originally promised, Patch’s Lauren Traut reported. “Our prayer was that these families’ blessings would double, and it was answered with that and more,” Rodriguez said. » By Lauren Traut for Orland Park Patch

Mrs. Claus Is A Lifesaver

Dressed as Mrs. Claus in, Fredericksburg, Virginia, police Lt. Tabatha Merrell was driving home from the Public Safety Santa Run when she saw something that didn’t feel right: A woman was partially hanging over a bridge. She turned around and, with the help of Sgt. Amie. Lynch, pulled the woman to safety. “The most amazing part of this story is that Lieutenant Merrell and Sergeant Lynch typically take a different route home,” Fredericksburg Police Chief Brian Layton said. “Call it divine intervention or fate, I truly believe these officers were meant to take the route they did and help save this woman’s life.” » By Liam Griffin for Fredericksburg Patch

The Grinch Is On Patrol

Paul DeSesso has tricked up The Grinch Mobile with more Christmas decorations and even added falling snow, giving Somerset County, New Jersey, residents more to ooh and aah over this year. “My neighbor suggested the snow machine and I thought I can’t not do it now!” DeSesso told Patch’s Alexis Tarrazi. “It is an ever-evolving sort of thing. I stare at the truck and think about how can I make this better or more interesting.” The best thing about it? “You can have conversations with people you would've never talked to,” DeSesso said. “It just makes people open up.” » By Alexis Tarrazi for Bridgewater Patch

Take A Holiday Light Tour

The holiday display lighting up the lives of Sal and Denise Volpe’s neighbors in Hillsborough, New Jersey, started modestly years go when the couple’s six children were young, but now includes about “five garages full of stuff,” Denise Volpe told Patch’s Alexis Tarrazi. Snoopy flies his plane and Santa guides his sleigh 30 feet in the air, looking down on the dazzling display. It’s more than Christmas eye candy, though. The Volpes added Santa’s mailbox to the display and try to answer every letter dropped into it. Neighbor Jill Lerman got in the spirit, too, and added a food pantry donation box. “Last year, we had a small child put their piggy bank in the box with coins and rupees,” Lerman said. Be sure to click into the story and take a video tour. » By Alexis Tarrazi for Hillsborough Patch

However you celebrate, Patch wishes you great joy, good cheer and much merriment!