Long after his Santa suit is packed away, Jim Horne, better known as Santa to many children and adults in Moore County, continues to spread good works and cheer.

Naturally white-haired and bearded, Jim is a marvelous sight to behold, looking somewhat like the Santa of old on the Coca-Cola holiday advertising.

He is dressed head-to-toe in a rich velvet suit, adorned with a black belt with a specially ordered gold buckle with holly engraving.

Horne's busiest time falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He earns money by making appointments to visit homes. All the money he earns is used to purchase toys for terminally ill and homeless children.

Horne says he proudly participates in "Kids' Peace," visiting children in foster care. He ensures that they receive birthday presents as well as their most-wanted items on their Christmas list.

He also visits the children of "Holy Angels," and purchases toys for these special needs and terminally ill children.

When given the name and address of each child who sits on his lap, he writes a card or a letter and tells them he is looking forward to visiting them on Christmas Eve. Horne sent out more than 200 such letters this year.

Before returning to his volunteer duties as a maintenance handyman at the Sandhills Children's Center, Horne always takes a break in early January, vacationing at Oak Island, where he enjoys spending time with friends and family and catches up on reading.

Horne delighted children at Belk in Southern Pines in December, and Belk, continuing the spirit of good works, is requesting customers to donate new or gently-used clothing or toys.

Good winter coats are especially needed. There will be a drop-off box located in the Kid's Department until the end of January.