Community rallies to build ‘Santa’ new house

CAROLINA BEACH (WWAY) — Christmas is still a few months away, but that is not stopping a Carolina Beach community from getting into the holiday spirit.

One neighborhood is rallying together to build Harry Buie, a local icon, a new home. Buie has lived in Carolina Beach for 59 years, and over time he’s picked up the nickname “Santa.” Children refer to him as Santa because of his beard and cheery attitude.

But recently his home started falling apart making it hard for him to keep up with it financially. And people have noticed, one little girl who lives nearby started this whole movement.

She told her grandmother someone needs to fix up Santa’s house, and with donations from the community and five contractors on board, they’re doing just that. Building Buie a new house for free.

“I want to thank everybody,” Harry Buie said, “the contractors, the whole community, everybody, I love y’all.. and bless y’all.”

While his house is under construction, Buie is staying with longtime friend John Carty, and his wife Debbie. Carty says he’s proud to be part of such a tight-knit, caring community.

“Don’t give up on people and definitely don’t give up on your community, because there’s a lot of good out there you just gotta reach out sometimes when you need some help, and most of the time the help will come your way,” Carty said.

Buie says he is thankful he has been able to stay with his friends, but is excited to move into his new home.

“After we get it all said and done I’m moving back in and I’m gonna have a good old fashion hoedown,” Buie said.

The community held a meeting at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night to figure out permits and finances to get the project started. Organizers hope to have Buie’s new home finished in two to three weeks.