Volunteer Spotlight: Rod Genter, Rathdrum

The man in the flannel shirt and red suspenders walked across the restaurant. He had been enjoying coffee with his wife and caught the eye of the young child from across the room. The little boy looked up in awe as the white-bearded man came closer. He leaned down to the little boy and pulled an old Polaroid picture out of his front breast pocket. As he shared the picture with the boy, he said, "Have you seen this reindeer?" Speechless, and barely taking his eyes off of the man, the little boy slowly shook his head to say no. Santa replied, "Well, if you do see him, tell him to hurry back home because he has a job to do on Christmas Eve." Patting the boy on the shoulder, and with a wink, he wished the family a Merry Christmas and returned to his coffee.

The look on the young boy's face is familiar to many children and families in our area. It is the face of true believers in the magic of Christmas, knowing that Santa Claus spends time right here in OUR community, spreading joy in every corner of Kootenai County. I bet you've seen him too. He's definitely not the ordinary mall Santa "filling in" at the local department store. He is truly the REAL DEAL with rosy red cheeks, a silvery white beard as pure as newly fallen snow, a curled up mustache and a twinkle in his eye, seen as he looks down at the children over his round spectacles.

Rathdrum resident, Rodney Genter, AKA Santa Claus, has volunteered the last 10 years to spread the Spirit of Christmas by stepping into the "Big red suit" and donning the fur trimmed cap. When asked how he began his secret role, "I had just returned from a trip to Alaska where I had grown longer hair and a beard. My daughter was organizing a Christmas Dance for Teens and Adults with Disabilities, and asked me if I would help her by being Santa. The organization didn't have enough money to pay for a professional Santa, so I said I would volunteer to help out if they could find me a costume suit. I put on the suit for the first time and when I saw the reactions on the faces of these handicapped teens and adults, I was hooked. I have been volunteering for non-profit groups ever since."

"It is very fulfilling. I feel blessed to have a gift of 'looking' like Santa and putting joy on the faces of children and seniors. It is especially rewarding when I can get a smile out of a sick child or senior when they are not feeling well. It is like magic! In churches, I talk about the first gift of Christmas which is the Baby Jesus."

Recently, Santa visited The American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest Christmas Party. Patti Bender, Development Coordinator for the organization commented on the experience, "... just extremely authentic. He takes his role very seriously as he prepares, and asks that each child be introduced by name. He went above and beyond just listening to children's wishes as he walked around during lunch and interacted with the children. Three hundred people affected by Childhood Cancer were served that day and he never got tired."

Annette Davis, Co-Chair of the event, said "I really appreciate that he takes time with everyone, even the adults. He is patient and kind as he tries to bring the magic of Christmas to all."

Santa's next appearance and photo opportunity will be at Texas Roadhouse in Coeur d'Alene on Wed. and Thurs., Dec. 19 and 20 benefiting North Idaho Make-A-Wish recipients.

Rodney Genter is retired LAPD officer of 27 years and retired U.S. Air Force with 28 years of service. His passion is traveling and nature photography. He has lived in Rathdrum for 3 years and loves North Idaho.

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