There’s an angel working in the kitchen at Tampa General Hospital, and he’s making Christmas brighter for hundreds of girls and boys.
Around TGH, they call him Santa.
The truth is, Santa Claus would have a hard time measuring up to Delwyn Collins.
Collins is a simple man in the most incredible way. He’s man with a heart bigger than the Christmas tree that towers over the hospital.
Collins works in the kitchen at TGH washing dishes and helping the cooks, but he thrives amongst all these toys.
Twenty-five years ago, Collins started Tampa General Hospital’s Foster Angel program. He has no children of his own, but he donates hours of his time to make sure hundreds of foster kids have a Christmas worth remembering.
"They need love," Collins said. "If it’s from a stranger, that’s good enough for me, it’s good enough for me."
His spirit was born out of experience. He’s the product of a single mother who gave him all she could, which means Collins understands struggle. He lived it as a poor child with a learning disability.
“My childhood wasn’t very...it was rough," he said. "I went through a lot.”
Better because of it, Collins, like he does every year, took 30 names off the tree and bought three gifts for each child.
His TGH family followed suit, buying more for more than 500 kids this year.
It makes Collins' program the most successful in Hillsborough County.
“If I never see them or hear from them, this is good enough for me, what I’m doing here," he said.
On Tuesday, on the 25th anniversary of his endeavor, people from all walks of life gathered around to say thank you. It's a thank you he never asks for, but one he’s clearly grateful to receive.
When the pomp and circumstance ended, Collins was exhausted. Twenty-five years later he’s still overwhelmed by all the generosity, just as his helpers are overwhelmed by his kindness.
The Foster Angels of Hillsborough County picked up all the toys Tuesday. The group will make sure those toys get to more than 500 kids for Christmas.