Tucker Lott grew up in a large family with limited means in a largely Black community; during Christmas there was lots of love but not many gifts.
So, as Lott gained success in the business world, he decided he wanted to give back, and in 1996 imagined what he calls the Soul of Santa. He created a melanted and dapper Santa-like figure with a bright red suit and matching bowler hat to go along with his well-trimmed salt-and-pepper beard.
“I’m not trying to change the meaning of Christmas, just the way we look at it,” Lott told IN Kansas City magazine.
When the image came to Lott’s mind, it was a cooler version of Santa or if “Santa had a ‘brotha’ brother.” The character was to personify the true soul of Santa, and embody the spirit of giving. The Soul of Santa look mimics Lott’s own sense of style and the suave nature of the figure gives an aspirational appearance.
“He came from a poor Black family and wanted to give a kid like him some representation to look up to,” says Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation Executive Director Dennis Powell Jr.
The Soul of Santa started with holiday greeting cards to spread cheer. The Soul of Santa character tips his hat with a twinkle in his eye before Christmas magic ensues, and the figure helps the Black community celebrate with a symbol that looks similar to what they see in the mirror.
In 2018, Lott wanted to put up a Christmas tree on the patio of Soiree in the 18th and Vine district. That turned into hosting a Christmas tree lighting ceremony where he debuted his Soul of Santa character in person.
“He wanted this historically under-resourced and underserved area to have the same experience that the Plaza or Crown Center has,” says Powell. “So, out of his own pocket, he put on the first tree lighting in 18th & Vine.”
From there the event gained sponsorships and things snowballed into two annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies on Kansas City’s east side, then came free breakfasts with toy and clothes giveaways.
With the growing number of events and wanting to extend their reach, in 2019, Lott, along with family and friends, formed a nonprofit called The Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation. The focus of the foundation was to give back and uplift under-resourced communities, particularly on Kansas City’s east side.
This year, there was a Christmas album release, a karaoke event with artists from the album, two tree lightings, two free breakfasts and toy giveaways, and the annual benefit concert featuring Lonnie McFadden.
Beyond the Festive Season
“The Soul of Santa is really about the spirit of giving,” says Powell. “After Christmas all the giving and things like that tend to go away, so we are trying to get people to keep that up all year round.”
The foundation partners with Harvesters to distribute food to those that need it; on the first Friday of the month, they give out 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of food. They also host a food pantry that’s open every Wednesday night to service the needs of KC’s east side.
Lott also does school visits with Soul of Santa, where they pass out financial literacy books. Lott calls it the “Do Good 365” model, encouraging individuals to see opportunities for kindness and community service every day of the year.
“The ‘Do Good 365’ model that [Tucker Lott] talks about, he lives that,” says Powell. “That inspires me and challenges us to make sure we’re doing that through the foundation.”
ACE Program
The foundation also looks to aid high functioning adults with disabilities with their recently established ACE Program (Aria Camille Empowerment), named in honor of Lott’s daughter, who passed away unexpectedly last year. Aria’s journey with epilepsy and her dedication to teaching students with special needs inspired the foundation to refine its mission.
The ACE Program assists individuals with disabilities by providing scholarships and wraparound services to ensure they can pursue their desired career paths. Anyone with an ADA disability can apply and they are currently accepting applications. Those looking to enroll in a trade school or college will receive a $1k scholarship as well as mentorship through the program.
Those interested in enrolling in the ACE Program are encouraged to reach out to dogood365@thesoulofsanta.org for application instructions.
How to Help Do Good 365
The Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation welcomes support from the community. Interested individuals can participate in a number of ways:
- Listen to the Soul of Santa Christmas Album: All proceeds from the album go towards the Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation. The album features Aria Camille as well as a host of local hip-hop, jazz and soul artists. To find the album, search “Soul of Santa Christmas Album” in your preferred music streaming platform.
- Donate your time: The foundation is always looking for volunteers. You can volunteer to help with future holiday events, the monthly food distribution, the weekly food pantry, or you can become an ACE program mentor. For more info, visit TheSoulofSanta.org.
- Purchase Soul of Santa Merchandise: Hoodies, aprons, Christmas ornaments, coffee mugs, and more are all available on the Soul of Santa website and proceeds go toward the Do Good Foundations work.
- Donate dollars: Monetary donations are also welcome at TheSoulofSanta.org.
As the Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation continues to make a positive impact on the Kansas City community, its commitment to spreading joy, promoting oneness, and supporting those in need remains unwavering.
Through a combination of festive events, strategic programs, and a year-round dedication to community service, the foundation embodies the spirit of giving that extends far beyond the holiday season.
