A Secret Santa helped spread Christmas cheer to one deserving couple.
Diana Boldman works at the local McDonald’s.
Prior to her shift, the 65-year-old and her husband, Cameron, work a paper route in their area in a Dodge Caravan that has clocked in almost 250,000 miles.
Cameron, also 65, is currently on disability for back problems and other health issues.
Around the Thanksgiving holiday, as Diana was going into work, she received a very generous gift from Nate Eaton, a news manager for a community website, who also works for a local Secret Santa.
She told TODAY Food that she “recognized him right away” for his contributions to the neighborhood.
Eaton presented Boldman and her husband with a 2019 Hyundai Tucson along with $5000 in gift cards for gas and a check for $1000 to register the car.
Boldman was “stunned” and said that the car has made their newspaper delivery runs much more enjoyable and painless.
"Before, we kept having to wake our daughter up at 3 o'clock in the morning for battery jumps before the paper route," she said.
Diana’s husband was especially surprised by the generous gift.
"Right after the interview with Nate Eaton was over, Diana calls me in tears and says, 'Cam, I need to pick you up in about five minutes. I want you to drive the new SUV that just was given to us. We need to go down to the dealership and get the papers,'" Cameron told the outlet.
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He said they also feel “much safer” in the car since it’s a “4-wheel drive,” which comes in handy on the “icy roads” on the route.
The couple have a few guesses as to who their secret might be, but for now, Eaton is the only one who knows for sure.
Eaton said the Secret Santa hopes to remain anonymous and only wants to “bless people’s lives.”
Regardless, the couple is very grateful.
"Whoever it is, thank you very much. We love you very much," said Cameron. "If we ever find out who you are, we’d like to give you a big hug."
Easton told the outlet that last year, he helped give away more than $500,000 in gifts, but it will be “a lot more” this year.
Recipients are usually nominated by community members and are never those who ask for help.
“They’re not asking for handouts or assistance," he explained.
He said that other surprise gifts include helping those in need get necessary items such as hearing aids or a new prosthetic leg. Some gifts even help families afford financial emergencies.
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