This Santa never had Christmas as a kid, so he is determined to see that other needy children do.

Harold Neumeister spreads Christmas cheer among staffers at the FreeStore/FoodBank. (Dick Swaim photo) | ZOOM |

        Harold Neumeister, who plays Santa Claus at the FreeStore/FoodBank, has a long white beard and a jolly “Ho Ho Ho,” both quite real. Formerly homeless, he says he carries a need to give back to the people who helped him.

        On Friday morning, Santa was handing out more than 600 candy canes to anyone who came by the FreeStore/FoodBank. He'll be back again today at the Liberty Street facility in Over-the-Rhine beginning at 8 a.m., handing out gifts to kids.

        “I play Santa Claus because as a child there was never a Christmas — never a Santa Claus,” said Mr. Neumeister, 54. “By portraying something I never had, I'm giving something to kids.”

        He made three other appearances as Santa this week — at schools in Fairfield and Newport and at Tender Mercies homeless shelter. He is becoming so busy, he says, that he's thinking of employing a booking agent next year.

        But he doesn't do it for money.

        “You can't pay me to play Santa Claus,” he said.

        Mr. Neumeister described his childhood as abusive and transient. His family moved so many times that he can't remember all the places he lived. He moved to Cincinnati with his mother after a divorce.

        As an adult, he married and attempted to live a normal life, but his childhood left him incapable of functioning as an adult, he said. Unable to hold down a job — he estimates he has had about 25 — he lost his home and ultimately his marriage.

        At his lowest, he was “living like an animal — like a nobody,” under overpasses and in alleys, he explained.

        After four years on the streets, he asked Tender Mercies for help. The agency helped him get Social Security disability payments and provided shelter and treatment for his mental illness.

        Today, he lives alone in an apartment in Westwood. He has a truck to drive to his paying job at Crayons to Computers, a “free store” for teachers in Bond Hill.

        Even when he is not scheduled to work, he helps out at Crayons to Computers or at the FreeStore.

        “He just lives giving back,” said Jan Seidel, director of development at the FreeStore.

        Mr. Neumeister became Santa two years ago, when Crayons to Computers asked him to perform at their Christmas party. Now he owns his Santa suit and tall black boots, which he accessorizes with bells on his hat and cuffs.

        “I feel I can put something into being Santa,” he said. “If you've got something you can give, you better darn well do it.”

        You can still help needy Tristaters through The Enquirer's "Wish List"

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