HCU Employee Spreads Joy as Volunteer Santa

Houston, Texas - Larry Blakley, Manager of Maintenance & Operations at Houston Christian University (HCU), will don a red suit and hat and fluff up his signature white beard to bring holiday cheer to young kids as a volunteer Santa at Navidad en el Barrio's 38th Annual Christmas Program from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the NRG Stadium.

After serving on the board of the Houston-based nonprofit for close to a decade, Blakley stepped into the role of Santa to bring smiles to the faces of the underprivileged children that the organization serves.

"Seeing the expressions on the children's faces when I come into the room, getting my belly poked and my beard pulled to see if is real, brings me the greatest fulfillment," said Blakley.

Each year, Navidad en el Barrio, supported by year-round fundraisers, hosts a festive Christmas party at the NRG serving thousands of students chosen from 40 schools in low-income areas. Each school selects 40 students who are determined to be in greatest need.

Launched in 1987 by HPD officer Israel "Izzy" Gomez, Jr., as a part of Ripley House, the nonprofit's premier event is its annual Christmas program. The event features a visit from Santa, entertainment, including robots and Star Wars impersonators, and lunch and gifts for disadvantaged school children from the Houston Independent School District.

Children are thrilled as Blakley is brought in on a golf cart in full Santa gear, surrounded by a caravan of retired police officers on motorcycles ready to deliver an afternoon of holiday cheer.

"At NRG, he arrives as Santa surrounded by school bands, volunteers and toys collected throughout the year. Thousands of children light up when he comes through the doors," shares Ed Borges, HCU Assistant Provost of Student Affairs.

His most memorable experience as Old St. Nick occurred when all of the kids at one of the schools at the annual Christmas party grabbed him and wouldn't let go, shared Blakley.

"The teachers had to come and help get them off so I could keep walking to visit all the other schools," shared Blakley.

The HCU employee also dons his Santa gear in more serene but just as meaningful settings, including Christmas parties that allow incarcerated women to spend Christmas with their children, women in empowerment programs and seniors who may feel isolated.

"Larry shows up not for recognition, but because he loves bringing joy to people who have very little," adds Borges.

Navidad en el Barrio, a 501c3 nonprofit, relies on the commitment of volunteers like Blakley, who welcome the opportunity to serve disadvantaged children and youth who would otherwise go without during the holidays. The nonprofit's heartfelt mission is also supported by the generous donations of its supporters.

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