Palatine man takes Santa role to heart for needy children
Most volunteers have holly, jolly dispositions. Many toil as hard as elves in a workshop. However, one volunteer carries the spirit of Christmas all year long and makes it come alive for some needy children.
For the past two years, Dutch Schultz of Palatine has taken on the holiday's lead role of Santa Claus for Palatine Township's Adopt-A-Family-Program. The program started more than 25 years ago and was a first-place award recipient of the Governor's Home Town Award in 1995. It helps spread holiday joy to about 500 families through gift donations from the community.
"All the kids love him," said Christine Favia, outreach coordinator for the township. "He was referred to us by the township and outside members of the community. I think he resembles Santa and kids are excited and happy to see him."
Schultz, 62, first played the man in red five years ago for a business function. Because of his natural fit, friends and neighbors invited him to their functions.
"I've got the figure and a full white beard and white hair, so I look the part," said Schultz, a part-time energy manager for School District 25. "When I'm walking through the halls at school, it's kind of cute because the kids will say, 'Hi Santa.'"
The Kris Kringle volunteer will put in about 10 hours over a two-day period and sees more than 300 children during the Adopt-A-Family party.
"It takes a lot of time, but he doesn't see it as taking time," Favia said. "He's more like: I am here; let me help in any way. He is friendly, merry and goodhearted."
Shortly after Halloween, Schultz beeps onto children's radar. He can be walking through an airport or store and kids will stare at him in awe.
"The coolest part is the kids' eyes," Schultz said. "It's a time in their life, only when they're little, that they look at you like that. It's special."
Although special, pulling off the gig has its challenges. Kids have spit things on him and wet their pants while sitting on his lap. Some have even pulled his beard.
"It's not fake, so it hurts, especially when they get their fingers caught in it," Schultz said. "Some of them didn't believe, but when they see it's a real beard, they are taken aback and question if they should believe."
Another issue for the volunteer is unruly children. Many times a brood of different ages will approach in attack mode. However, this Santa doesn't believe these kids deserve lumps of coal.
"I stay in the role and be nice," he said. "I maintain composure and give them the ho, ho, ho. A lot of them are coming from tough backgrounds and family situations, so you have to be compassionate."
"I am so impressed by his generosity," Favia said. "For anyone willing to take part in this program geared toward unprivileged families, says a lot about a person."
Schultz knows the true meaning of the season because he exemplifies it throughout the year. His giving spirit has resulted in 23 years of volunteer service for the Palatine Park District Board. During that period, he has held the presidency five times. In addition to running the meetings, he's chairing the environment and energy conservation committee. He also works on fundraisers for the Northwest Special Recreation Association.
In the past, Schultz, along with his wife, Edie, and his children, Heidi, Kurt and Brigit, have been active in the Palatine Jaycees projects including the Christmas tree sales, muscular dystrophy fundraisers and haunted house.
"My wife is a life member of the Jaycees," he said. "She was active with her own fundraisers and played a big part in our Fourth of July event. To this day, we still help with the beer booth."
Yet, being Santa has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his volunteer career. That's in part because it allows him to help those in need of even more than the gifts the Adopt-A-Family program provides. Schultz says his one message to all of them is, "Ya gotta believe."