Wisconsin Rapids Company Spreads "Goodness" To Children In Costa Rica

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Updated: 11:02 PM Dec 29, 2008 Wisconsin Rapids Company Spreads "Goodness" To Children In Costa Rica The Goodness Company in Wisconsin Rapids is spreading a bit of holiday magic to children in Costa Rica. Posted: 7:50 PM Dec 29, 2008 Reporter: Margo Spann Email Address: margo.spann@wsaw.com Wisconsin Rapids Company Spreads "Goodness" To Children In Costa Rica

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The Goodness Company in Wisconsin Rapids is spreading a bit of holiday magic to children in Costa Rica.

The Founder of the company Patrick Goodness, says many children in the country have never had the chance to celebrate the holidays like we do here, so they provided toys and school supplies for more than 200 children.

He dresses up like Santa Claus and passes out gifts to allow the children to experience some of the magic of the holidays.

He says his time there was overwhelming.

"I'm no longer Patrick Goodness I'm Santa to all these kids. I had to hold back the tears and the kids were as excited as can be."

He says he tries to help any way he can.

"While I can't take care of everyone they are so many things we can do to give some people hope and show kids there are people out there that care about them and it's not the government and it's not a hand out. "

Goodness says their company is accepting donations for the children.

For more information click on the website listed below.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Janet Location: Wausau on Dec 31, 2008 at 10:02 PM

Clearly, there are people in the US who are disadvantaged & in need. This however should not diminish the kindness & generosity shown to others simply because they live in another country. Yes, we are citizens of the US. But we are also citizens of the world, with a responsibility to care for others regardless of who they are, where they live, the language they speak, or the color of their skin. To suggest that "local children" are "more important" than children from Costa Rica is a truly saddening thought. Instead of criticizing the kindness & generosity of this man & his company, we should hold him up as an enlightening example of global stewardship. I also took a look at the other work this company is doing & discovered their tradition of giving Christmas gifts to hundreds of people in local area nursing homes every year. Who knows how many other good deeds this company performs...works that aren't covered by the news? I believe we should encourage GOODNESS wherever we find it.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Rhinelander on Dec 30, 2008 at 07:59 AM

This story is heartwarming and all, but after I read the countless LOCAL stories of all the plant closings, job losses and downturn in local economics, I can't help but think: What about the local children, who's parents are out of work? I believe they are a bit more imporant than Costa Rica Children .... Am I wrong?

Posted by: Gene Location: Marshfield on Dec 29, 2008 at 09:30 PM

What a wonderful story. I would have loved to learn more about this man and his work. Please do more positive stories like this! Will there be a follow-up story?

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