Deaf Santa lifts kids spirits during holidays

A man who is deaf dresses up like Santa and travels across Michigan helping kids who also can't hear.

Scott Powers better known as Deaf Santa, spends his holiday season driving across metro Detroit and Mid-Michigan. He has a special connection with kids just like him.

“All the deaf kids come to see me. I love kids looking at me and saying wow Santa’s just like me,” he said.

For the past seven years, he's been a comfort to kids who have a hard time communicating with other Santas. Scott understands them, and comforts them by signing back.

“I find a lot of parents don't take the time to learn sign language for the kids and they just want to talk,” Scott said.

Deaf Santa's mother Mary Powers also dresses like Mrs. Claus, and forms new bonds with the kids along the way.

“They come every year some are a little skeptical and say I know who you are and he will say no no I'm the real Santa so he loves to interact with the children,” she said.

And in doing so, making the holidays special for everyone.

“He spends a lot of time with them too and this is not a paying profession for him he does it for just the fun of it,” Mary said.

Parents pay to have their kids take photos with Deaf Santa, and he uses that money to support his efforts. He also gives some to charity.