ST. PAUL, Minn. — There’s a bit of a role reversal going on in St. Paul. The man known for gifting needs a specific gift for himself to survive.
When Santa is in the North Pole, Dan Reed gladly sits in.
“I’m a helper, of course. Santa’s got to be a million places so he’s gotta have some help,” Reed said. “It’s really heartwarming, it gets me going. I think it comes from the whole notion of helping people.”
Reed is known for helping people.
“I wouldn’t be the person or man I am today or where I’m at today without Dan Reed,” disability rights advocate Dupree Edwards said.
Edwards, who has a traumatic brain injury, says Reed is a beacon to the disability community. He advocates for more jobs with dignity.
“The chance to give people who just don’t have a chance or haven’t had a chance because life hasn’t treated them that greatly — let’s see what we can do. And, fortunately, I’ve been able to help a lot of people,” Reed said.