A mall Santa spread hope and cheer to children both in and outside the womb this Christmas when he helped two mothers choose life for their unborn babies.
Joel, who plays Santa Claus at his local mall, also is a pro-life advocate with Sidewalk Advocates for Life. The organization shared his inspiring story with LifeNews this week, highlighting how just one person can help change – and save – lives.
When Joel took on the role of Santa, his co-workers quickly began to notice his strong desire to help others, according to the pro-life organization. Two young women who were playing elves especially noticed Joel’s kindness and confided in him that they both were pregnant. One of them admitted that her boyfriend wanted her to abort their baby, and the other said her boyfriend was reluctant about parenting, the pro-life organization continued.
Anxious to help the mothers and their babies, Joel said he talked with them about local pregnancy resource centers and encouraged them to visit.
“I told them they weren’t alone and that there were people waiting to help,” he said.
He also reached out to the women’s boyfriends and encouraged them to be responsible fathers.
“There are too many single mothers out there,” Joel said. “These young men need to know that they can do it, and being a dad is greater than they can imagine.”
Grateful for the support, both mothers chose life for their babies.
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Then, Joel did even more. He played Santa for the two expecting moms, asking his family and friends for donations to help them in their time of need.
“As soon as they’re born, each baby will be all set with diapers, clothes, and — thanks to Santa Claus — parents ready to love them,” said Lauren Muzyka, executive director of Sidewalk Advocates for Life.
She said pro-life advocates like Joel are eager to help mothers in need and remind them that their unborn babies are precious, valuable human beings.
Earlier this year, the pro-life organization celebrated helping more than 12,000 mothers choose life for their unborn babies. Sidewalk Advocates for Life teaches pro-lifers to conduct peaceful, compassionate sidewalk advocacy outside abortion facilities across the U.S.
Muzyka said Joel is one of the many pro-life heroes who strives to show God’s love to the people around them.
“That’s our mission at Sidewalk Advocates for Life: To bring the hope and love of God to others,” Muzyka said.
LifeNews Note: File photo.
