I work at a VA Hospital and ran into one of the sweetest Veterans yet! His name is James and he plays Santa during the Christmas season. He came in asking about coverage for dental work, however the VA has very specific requirements about dental coverage. He said that he misses smiling with an open smile in Santa photos, so I'd love to get him started with some funds for a whole new smile! The starting goal is $5,000, but I'm not sure what the actual cost for this would really be. HERE IS HIS STORY:

"I served in the Army from 1972 to 1978. After leaving, I struggled to adjust to civilian life and re-enlisted in 1980, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. I left the Army again in 1982 due to severe depression and a back injury. My family and I remained in Anchorage until 2000, when we moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

In 2001, I began working at First National Bank of Arizona, handling paperwork and deposits between Phoenix and Tucson. It was in Tucson that my life took an unexpected turn, and my journey as Santa Claus began.

One day, entering a branch located in Walmart, a little girl tugged at my pants leg, eager to tell me her Christmas wish. At the time, I had a Father Time beard, not a Santa beard, and had never considered playing the role. Despite my attempts to explain I wasn't Santa, the branch manager insisted I listen. The little girl, with help, climbed onto my lap and whispered in my ear that she wanted a fort for her brother. When I asked what she wanted, she replied that all she wanted was the fort for her brother. I was deeply moved.

As she left, both the branch manager and I were in tears. The manager contacted the bank owner, who then wanted to find the little girl's family to build her brother a fort for Christmas. From that day on, I shaped my beard into Santa's iconic look.

I strive to live the life of Santa Claus every day. I volunteer my time as Santa, as long as the venue doesn't charge for pictures. Christmas is about giving, not making money, as that takes away from the children. Fifteen years ago, I began giving out Santa Dollars.

Five years ago, I started losing my teeth. Over the past three years, the front ones have broken off at the gum line, taking away my smile. My smile now resembles a Jack-O-Lantern, making it difficult for Santa pictures. So, I smile without showing my teeth.

The dentist has quoted me between $22,000.00 and $25,000.00 to surgically remove my roots and get dentures. Living on my Social Security check, I struggle to make ends meet after paying bills, gas, and food. At 71 years old, I will never be able to save enough."