By Max Gorden

PEORIA, Ariz. (KPHO/KTVK) -- A generous Valley man handed out $10,000 in Peoria Wednesday.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, says he was inspired by the original “Secret Santa,” a man by the name of Larry Stewart who made a practice of handing out cash in the Kansas City area.

“We’re telling the story of Secret Santa,” he said.

With help from volunteers and the Peoria Police Department, the good Samaritan drove around town in a white van looking for people he thought could use a helping hand. When he found a target, he’d tell them Stewart’s story and would hand them several hundred dollar bills.

“I’m so overwhelmed,” said one of the recipients, Anita Vargas. “It’s crazy.”

The group pulled over a Peoria city bus, handing cash to the passengers and its driver. They also stopped shoppers in a local dollar store.

“Me and my husband (sic) were just talking. I didn’t know if I could get Christmas gifts for our kids,” said Brooke Wallace, one of the cash recipients.

Through tears, Wallace said the gift would change her family’s Christmas.

“But it also brings tears to those who give,” said volunteer Steve Chenoweth. “Because giving is much greater than receiving. And we’re affected as much as they are.”