STREATOR - Most kids have given up believing in Santa Claus by the time they turn 15, but not Andrew Stueckrad.

The sophomore at Woodland High School just south of Streator is launching the "I Still Believe in Santa" project to give gifts to about 50 teenagers who might not receive presents for the holidays.

"There are lots of people who don't get what they want for Christmas, so I'm trying to help," said Stueckrad, 15, the son of single mom Angela Stueckrad. "It's fun."

The recent downturn in the economy may make it even harder on some families, he said.

"He's a giving child. That's what he does, that's who he is," said his mom, who also has three younger children. "He's one of the kids who would give the shirt off his back to another person. … He knows tough times.

"…Andrew believes teens are forced enough these days to grow up, and wants kids to be kids especially at Christmas," she said.

Andrew plays both sides of the line for the school football team. He volunteers at pow wows hosted by Midwest SOARRING, a group committed to preserving American Indian culture. He's volunteered at Boys and Girls Clubs in Joliet, where he has family, and for Total Rec, a teen activity center in Streator. He wants to go to college to study chemical engineering.

He got the idea for "I Still Believe in Santa" last Christmas after he got a skateboard he wanted. It came with a helmet and pads.

But Andrew had a friend whose parents were struggling even more than his own family that gets by on child support and what his mom makes as an artist and doll maker, selling her products on eBay or her Web site, http://reborndolls.s5.com.

His friend wanted a skateboard like the one Andrew wanted. But Andrew knew his friend got very little from his parents for his birthday in early December, and was not likely to get much for Christmas.

So, Andrew gave his friend the skateboard and safety gear. Andrew wound up getting clothes and socks, new shoes, a couple of video games - and a good feeling that comes from giving, he said.

The experience made him aware that kids his age often were overlooked by community Christmas programs that give toys to younger kids. Indeed, Judy Booze, service center director of the Salvation Army of Streator, is helping Andrew pass the word about his effort because her agency's program reaches kids 12 and under.

The "I Still Believe in Santa" project gives Booze somewhere to send families who have both young kids and teenagers and can help relieve the tension older kids may feel when they see their younger siblings get presents and they don't, she said.

Andrew will accept names of teens to help through Nov. 10.

"I think it's cool," said Booze. "It's wonderful. He is a shy young man, but he seems very sweet."

Andrew enlisted the help of the Reading Township Volunteer Fire Department which parks its equipment in a garage next door to Andrew's house. Firemen agreed to give him space to store and sort gifts.

"We think it's an excellent idea," said Christy Losey, a firefighter and department trustee. "He is doing a very good thing."

Next, he approached several Streator stores to see if they'd collect gifts. They agreed, too, including Shaw Appliance, where Losey and her husband, Paul, who is assistant fire chief, work. Other participating stores in Streator include Mr. Sweeper, Kroger, K-Mart and Lori's Mail Boxes and Parcel Depot. A box also is located at the Peru Mall.

The last pick-up will be Dec. 6. A collection drive will be from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 15 at Streator City Park. Andrew also is getting help from student organizations at school, his mother said.

The project will not take cash donations. Among items needed range from books, hoodies, and T-shirts to personal hygiene items, DVDs/CDs, and gift cards (see complete list accompanying the story). The project also needs tape, ribbon and Christmas stockings.

Asked want he wants this Christmas, Andrew paused as if he hadn't given the subject much thought. Then, he said, "Not much - video games, computer stuff."

But he admitted he might give those presents away, too, if he gets them.

"Depends," he said, "if somebody wants something and didn't get anything, maybe then. …I know what it feels like to not get something for Christmas."

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How to Help

What: I Still Believe in Santa Project to give presents to 50 teenagers in the Streator area.

Why: Many holiday gift-giving programs center on younger children while their older brothers and sisters are overlooked.

What's needed: Books; hoodies (all sizes); teen T-shirts with logos, pictures, or wording; personal hygiene items, including body spray; hair scrunchies and hair bands; lip gloss and lip balm; cologne; nail polish; bubble bath; shampoo; brushes and combs; white socks; DVDs and CDs rated PG-13 and under; handheld CD players, batteries size AA; Gummy Bracelets: wallets; bracelets; candy; and gift cards.

Where: Items can be dropped off through Dec. 6 at Kroger, K-Mart, Shaw Appliance, Mr. Sweeper and Lori's Mail Boxes and Parcel Depot, all in Streator. A box also is located at the Peru Mall.

More information: Call Andrew or Angela Stueckrad at (815) 822-6476

Editor's note

Years ago, a little girl wrote a New York newspaper to ask:

"Does Santa Claus exist?"

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," the editor answered. "He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists."

For more than 10 years, Pantagraph reporter Scott Richardson has written the series "In Search of Santa" to focus on people in Central Illinois who embody the true meaning behind the holiday season.

They give unselfishly and carry the holiday spirit, not for just a week or a month, but throughout the year. Perhaps it is a volunteer at your agency, church, organization or business.

If you have someone to suggest for "In Search of Santa," call (800) 747-7323 ext. 227 from outside Bloomington-Normal or 820-3227 and leave the following information: Name and daytime phone number; the name of the person you think should be featured; a daytime and nighttime phone number for that individual; and finally, a brief message on why you think he or she deserves to be profiled in the Pantagraph. You can also e-mail srichardson@pantagraph.com.