Whiteville honors beloved Santa’s helper with ‘Keeper of the Christmas Spirit’ award

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY-TV) – For the past 54 years, when the holiday season comes around, Dwight Burleson gears up to help jolly Saint Nick in Columbus County.

Burleson looks so similar to Santa Claus, the city of Whiteville even gave him the official title as “The Real Whiteville Santa.”

Many in the area who have sat upon his lap may recall his famous saying: “Touch your nose and when your eyes glow, ho, ho, ho; you’ve been good.”

Burleson recently announced he will not be able to help this year due to a weakened immune system.

“To preserve my health we decided not to do it this year and at 80 years old it’s time to slow down and re-direct anyway,” Burleson said.

On Tuesday night, city council members praised Burleson for his efforts in helping Santa with “The Keeper of the Christmas Spirit Award.”

Madison Ward, the city’s economic development director, presented the award.

Ward said Burleson’s legacy will continue despite his retirement.

“You never see him in a bad mood, he’s just always happy and he makes even the most skeptical people believe in Christmas so he’s just a wonderful person,” Ward said.

In the future, Burleson said he wants to continue helping lighten Santa’s load by specifically helping children with special needs at his home.

As Burleson looks back on his time as the city’s honorary Santa’s helper, there are too many good memories too count.

“It blesses me so much that I was trying to bless kids, but they blessed me instead, it all comes back,” Burleson said.

The Columbus County Chamber of Commerce will be unveiling a “Memory Lane” honoring Burleson on Saturday.