SAN ANTONIO — Charles Graves has brought joy to thousands of families across the country. Known as “Deaf Santa Claus,” the New Braunfels man gives deaf children the opportunity to tell Santa what they want through sign language.
“There are a lot of families with deaf children who will drive from other towns to see Deaf Santa because it’s worth it for them to be able to communicate with Santa,” said Charles’ wife, Kari Graves. “He makes you feel accepted. We have had teenagers come and visit and sit with Santa, and even adult couples because they didn’t have that growing up.”
In 2019, the Texas School for the Deaf educator decided to don a red Santa Claus suit. Charles has spent every Christmas since then volunteering with Kari, who sometimes joins him as “Deaf Mrs. Claus.”
But this year, the couple had to cancel all their events.
“He is very sick,” said Kari. “He got sick in August with pancreatitis caused by gallstones. He had been in the hospital for over 10 weeks. He went to rehab and is still struggling, so we are focusing on his recovery in hopes that he will be ready for next Christmas.”
People across South Texas are now rallying around Deaf Santa Claus.
“Right now, Charles is not able to work and is really trying to focus on his recovery,” said Rachel Flores. “Kari is also trying to be there to help him, so she is not able to work as much as she did before. They have done so much; not only for the deaf community, but also bridging the deaf community with the hearing community. From New Braunfels, to Austin, to San Antonio and all over the United States, they have done so much.”
Flores, who is a longtime friend of the family, set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of Charles’ recovery. To donate, click HERE. She is also asking the community for prayers.
“The community has been so supportive,” said Kari. “When he woke up from his medically-induced coma, there were a bunch of cards in the hospital room. That meant so much to him and he kept them. A few elementary schools drew pictures of him and that was really inspirational.”
Deaf Santa Claus has granted countless wishes. This Christmas, his wife has just one.
“My wish for this year is for him to be able to eat again and get to better,” said Kari, “and to start the New Year with a fresh start.”