A retired man walked into Arlington’s Department of Human Services office last month and asked a few questions about the county’s Secret Santa program.
He seemed to like the answers and wrote a check on the spot for $10,000 for the program, which donates gift cards to people in need throughout the community.
The secret donor didn’t want his name made public, but Peter Golkin, a spokesman for the county, said he was a retired county resident in his 50s or 60s. Golkin said the man wanted to learn where his money would go and know it would be used effectively.
The $10,000 will be converted into gift cards for places like grocery stores, drug stores, clothing stores and big-box chains like Target. The county purchases gift cards so parents can find exactly what their households need and buy gifts for children.
“Lending a hand to those in need is entrenched in our community values,” said Kurt Larrick, who heads the Secret Santa initiative.
The mystery man called the donation his tithe — usually one-tenth of something paid, typically to a church — and quickly left the office.
Last year, the Secret Santa effort raised $54,000.
Those interested in making a donation can do so here.
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