PHOENIX (UPI) -- A secret Santa Claus and his band of anonymous elves handed out $20,000 to the needy in Phoenix.

The tradition began nearly three decades ago after Larry Stewart, a Kansas City businessman, started handing out $100 bills after he had made his first million, The Arizona Republic Reported Wednesday.

Stewart died this year, but others have continued his tradition.

Phoenix was the first of five cities that will be visited by a C-note toting Santa this year. When it's all over, about $150,000 will be anonymously given away by the bearded one this holiday season.

"The person who gets it gets some sort of connection," said Santa, who wants to be known only as a Kansas City businessman. "It's not just about the money. It's the act. Somebody cares. For them, it gives them hope."

That's how it was for Sabrina Martinez, who was flipping through clothes at a thrift store, searching for Christmas gifts for her five children, the newspaper reported.

"I was kinda looking for stuff with tags on them, so they look new," Martinez said.

Santa walked up, handed her $300 and disappeared.

good to know that there are still people like that out there!

I think I'll wear my ripped up jeans and go to Goodwill tomorrow. We really could use the money.