For 95 years, St. Petersburg’s Christmas Toy Shop has provided new and gently used toys, books, bicycles and other items to underprivileged kids; 2,165 families last year alone.
All thanks to generous donations and support along with the year-round hard work of volunteers.
- Dan Surplus and wife Joyce have volunteered at shop for a decade
- 'It's in my heart,' Dan tells Bill Murphy
Eighty-seven year old Dan Surplus is one of them. And he is well named because, according to toy shop board president Lynda Owen, Dan does indeed have a surplus of good will.
“Dan is, he’s just great. He works in the batteries, so if anybody brings in electronic things he makes sure it works,” Owen said.
Dan and his wife of almost 66 years, Joyce, have volunteered at the toy shop for a decade.
She takes care of children’s books, making sure they are spotless.
Dan can usually be found at his desk taking items that no longer work and making sure that they do. We’re told he’s nothing short of a whiz at this kind of stuff.
He’s also a comedian. Host Bill Murphy found out that fact when Surplus told him how he prepared for the visit.
“I went and got a haircut over the weekend just for this purpose,” Surplus laughed.
“They did a good job,” Murphy said.
“Called it a spit shine.”
“You got your money’s worth,” Murphy joked.
In truth, the toy shop is a place full of heroes all working to make it a happy Christmas for many.
And Dan kind of speaks for all in the shop.
“How do you respond when I tell you that people looking at this are going to say of you, that man is a hero,” Murphy said.
“I don’t think so. That’s my job. It’s in my heart. I’ve always been fairly helpful with people. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Surplus said.