By Scott D. Johnston

For GH Newspaper Group

The holiday spirit takes hold in many this time of year. But for Central Park resident Joe Cornell, it’s “almost a year-round thing.”

For 35 years, Cornell has been drumming up donations, hunting for bargains, sweet-talking store managers and repurposing his sedan into Santa’s sleigh as he brings toys, warm winter clothes and even some school supplies to children throughout Grays Harbor County. So far this year, he’s helped nearly 1,500 kids at 23 schools.

Recently, “Santa Joe” dropped off a carload of Christmas at Ocean Shores Elementary School. “Joe is an amazing person who does this out of the kindness of his heart to make sure all of our kids enjoy the holidays,” said Principal Rhonda Ham.

Cornell said it was the simplest of situations that led his wife, Beverly (who died last year), and daughter, Tami, to start what has grown into a registered nonprofit called Making a Difference for Grays Harbor Kids.

“Some kids needed some help,” he said. “It’s nice helping people; it makes you feel good.”

Over the years, the Cornells developed a network of supporters and people who help identify kids in need. “A lot of good people help me,” he said. “If I didn’t have them, I couldn’t do it.”

These days, he handles nearly all of the actual work himself.

“I just find out where the need is,” he said, and then he goes shopping. Everything he gives away is new, but “I get a lot of deals. I seldom pay full price.”

That’s a good thing, because he is retired after more than 40 years at Hoquiam Plywood. “I thank God I’m lucky to have these people who want to help kids,” he said. “I’ve never been a rich man. Not with money, anyway.”

Anyone interested in donating to or volunteering with Cornell’s nonprofit is encouraged to write to him at P.O. Box 453, Montesano 98563.