JANUARY 2020
Article by Alyssa Riggs| [email protected]
A Round of Santa-Plause for GDC Employee Ron Clark
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) is made up of many employees, but one employee stands out a little extra during the holiday season. General Trades Technician, Ron Clark, is well-known for his handy work and straw hat, but when December arrives he trades in his hat and tool belt for a red suit. Standing at 6 feet and 7 inches tall, his white beard, size, and red suit help him look exactly like the one and only Santa Clause. Starting in December, Ron volunteers for many different charity events dressed up as everyone’s favorite Christmas character.
Ron’s first Christmas in Santa’s suit was in 1981 and with the help of his wife and a few seamstresses, he has been able to keep the tradition alive for the last 18 years. From the very start of his Santa career, Ron has been using the role as a way to give back. In December, Ron and his wife attend 18 different charity events, show up to different places as a surprise, and drive around town just to spread the Christmas cheer. Their sole purpose is to give back. They donate all of their time just to be able to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.
The GDC technician doesn’t just stop in December, Ron spends more of his free time giving back to the community, involved in church, and working on special projects. His big heart and love for volunteering is an all year event, but the month of December brings him a joy unlike any other. The GDC greatly appreciates his hard work during the work day and outside of it!
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