1997 Ford Ranger – Allen S.

My name is Allen Smith, I have been Santa for 10 years now, I travel all over the state of PA to be Santa for those who ask me. In 2019, I lost my 23 year old son to an allergic reaction to a bee sting while at work. I was devastated as this was my only biological child. He and I shared a love of old trucks and cars.
So a couple years after his passing, I thought what better way to honor my son than to make his old truck into “Santa’s Sleigh”? So I began the project with some help from a friend who has a garage, he did many of the mechanical repairs for me, since I did not have the proper tools. Then, I called on a couple of cousins to help also. I purchased many parts from LMC, changed the interior from blue to tan, new headliner, carpet, and new fender, inner fenders, core support, front bumper and other small odds and ends parts. They fit the first time, every time.
It has taken me 2 1/2 years to complete the project, my friend with the garage matched the color of my Santa suit to the truck, a custom paint mix. My cousin sprayed it for me. Then, I put on all the decals, including the memorial one for my son, and the personalized photo of me in my Santa suit.
Out of my sadness, I want to make others happy, to see the children’s faces light up when they see me as Santa is a huge help for me. Now when they see the “Saint Nick Express” they can smile and hopefully be amazed as Santa has come to town. There are a couple of other items I wish to upgrade over time, example, a horn that plays Santa Claus is coming to town when I blow it as well as red under glow lights for when I travel the streets at night checking who has been naughty or nice. This truck will hopefully spread cheer and happiness everywhere it goes from now on.
There is a movie made about my story of becoming Santa and making others happy to cure my sadness. (I know this may not make the magazine, but felt you as the reader may want to check it out. it is called “Saint Nick of Bethlehem” ) It was filmed across the state of PA and has a representative truck in the movie. I called my son’s truck the Saint Nick Express in honor of the movie also. I wish I could share more photos and more of the story to you all, but I know you only have so much space.
So with that being said, I will say a HUGE THANK YOU, to all of you at LMC for your support and willingness to make sure the parts were correct and a great fit.
So now, I will end with my signature saying………..”Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!” Ho Ho Ho!!!
I hope you find the story and the photos worthy of being on the cover of the magazine. Thanks again for everything!