Claus for a Cause

Jim Steinmetz’s first Santa costume seven years ago featured red suspenders, a plaid shirt and a false beard. He didn’t exactly want to be a Santa, but yielded to the request from his woodworker’s association.

Today, the beard is real, the costume is classic and the heart is full.

Steinmetz and his wife, Ann, both of Huntington Beach, have since formed Claus for a Cause, and spend each holiday season visiting thousands of children to raise funds for Breast Cancer Angels, a local organization that directly benefits women in cancer treatment and their families.

The Steinmetzes were surprised at their donation total this season, despite the financial downturn.

“This is the best year we’ve ever had,” Steinmetz said. “We raised just a little over $4,000 that first year. The next year, thanks to many repeat customers, it was a little over $7,000. The next was $13,000. Last year was $14,000. This year, we’re going to break $18,000.”

Their events each year can include city tree lighting ceremonies, corporate holiday parties, private parties and regular appearances at the St. Regis resort, among others. They ask that their payment checks be written directly to Breast Cancer Angels.

Ann Steinmetz said 100% of the Angel’s proceeds benefit women in treatment; last year alone, more than $325,000 was distributed, she said.

“It’s an awesome, grass-roots organization that’s growing every year,” she said. “It’s just amazing what people can do, and how generous they can be, even in these hard economic times.”

On Santa’s lap

Some of their most common requests from children this year have been American Girl dolls, Thomas the Tank Engine, MP3 players and Wii video game systems.

When kids ask for mobile phones, Santa advises them that he can’t pay for their phone bills, and tells them to wait a couple years.

Pets are another matter. After a bad experience involving a wished-for potbellied pig, Santa now tells the children to talk to their parents about it.

“I never tell the children that I will bring them what they want,” Steinmetz said. “I just say, ‘Santa will do his best.’ And do you know what? Not a single child has objected to that.”

One of the most common questions the couple is asked is where their reindeer are, Steinmetz said.