He has been going around, dressed only as himself, giving cash gifts to strangers.
By the time Christmas arrives, Whitman will have given out 40 to 50 envelopes, each containing a card and a $10 bill.
"The holiday season is a window to the warmth in everyone," says the card, which depicts a snowman looking inside a cozily decorated home with a lit Christmas tree, a roaring fire in the fireplace, a dog sitting in front of the fire and a cat sleeping on a chair next to him.
Whitman, 48, adds his own handwritten message: "Warmest wishes to You and Yours. Blessings. Dan."
He is not a rich man, by any means. Whitman has been disabled since he was 21, following a motorcycle accident. He shares a home with his mother in Naugatuck.
"I got what I want. I'm happy," he said. So anything extra he gives back.
Just this week, as he was cleaning his car, he found a receipt from three years ago for a donation he had made to Safe Haven, the shelter in Waterbury for battered women. He was inspired to donate again.
He went to a store and loaded up on nearly $300 worth of personal hygiene products.
It was a good thing, said Safe Haven Director Peggy Panagrossi, since the shelter was robbed about six weeks ago.
From The Waterbury Republican American
