After Santa loses his truck in a fire, locals campaign to buy him a new one

Bill Lee is one dedicated Santa Claus. The naturally skinny man gains 100 pounds after Thanksgiving to look the part for locals, but for him, it’s “all part of a sharing and giving attitude and purpose.” In fact, Lee, true to his moniker, “Santa Bill,” loves to give back to his community. But this year, he’s the one receiving.

Lee, who runs the Laughing Valley Ranch, brings his animals to festivals and events near Denver. His ranch and petting zoo feature multiple animals, including reindeer, and a visit has become a tradition for many families around this time of year.

But on Sept. 15, Lee’s truck and trailer caught fire on the Interstate. Thankfully, Lee and Good Samaritans who stopped were able to save 16 donkeys by unhitching the trailer and dragging it away from the fire. However, even though no animals were harmed, his truck was incinerated, according to the Denver Post.

Santa Bill, who has run his petting zoo for 20 years, uses his pickup as a means of financial support. Especially around the holidays, transporting his reindeer is an essential part of his income.

Now, family, friends and the community are chipping in to help Lee by contributing to a GoFundMe to help pay for a new truck. Lee’s son, Brack Lee, and a family friend, Brad Wann, started the campaign.

Many people were more than happy to help. One donator said, “Bill is one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met. Everything he does is about others and his animals.” Another wrote, “I believe in Santa and it wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa Bill.”

As of Dec. 14, the GoFundMe had reached over $24,200 of its $30,000 goal.

The 69-year-old Santa, albeit grateful, doesn’t know how to react to this type of generosity. “Truthfully, I’m a little uncomfortable about it,” he told the Denver Post. “We make our own life choices, and I chose a life of working with animals. Because I took on this and have responsibilities, I live a lifestyle that doesn’t allow me to have a new vehicle every few years.”

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