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Retiree Gives $10 Bills To Skid Row Homeless In LA

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Skid Row's own Santa Claus has made his annual visit -- handing out $10 bills to thousands of destitute people who queued up for several hours to receive the gift.
 
The 69-year-old retired lawyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said Thursday he's been giving away $20,000 of his own money every year over the past 30 years at the Midnight Mission.

Dressed in red, the benefactor says he's always moved by the appreciation and gratitude that homeless people show. He estimates about 3,000 people receive $10 bills every Yuletide.

The donor is one of several who hand out money on Skid Row on certain days of the year. Critics say the homeless would be better served if donations were made to one of the many area charities.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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