Faith

Cancer Hospital Kicks Out Santa — Then Changes Mind After Public Outcry

Santa Claus Kicked Out Then Invited Back at Hollings Cancer Center in CharlestonIt’s never too early for reports about the “War on Christmas” to begin making their way into the media.

The latest example of perceived anti-Christmas sentiment occurred at the Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, South Carolina, when hospital staff decided to give Santa the boot this year.

According to The Post and Courier, hospital volunteer Frank Cloyes has donated his time over the past two years to help make those suffering through chemotherapy feel a bit more cheerful. The 67-year-old, who is a retired insurance executive, would dress up as Santa Claus, hand out snacks and engage the patients.

Nothing more than the thirst to instill holiday cheer has driven his efforts in the past. Cloyes even footed the bill for his own costume rental. But yesterday, he was told by a volunteer coordinator at the hospital that his goodwill was no longer needed.

Hollings spokeswoman Vicky Agnew said that the hospital‘s state affiliation made Santa’s presence problematic. This, of course, was never a problem in the past. Hollings, as FOX Nation notes, is part of the University of Southern Carolina.

Adnew also said that decorations would be “more secular and respectful to all beliefs.” She continued, “We don’t want to offend a volunteer with good intentions, but we need to think of the bigger picture. People who are Muslim or Jewish or have no religious beliefs come here for treatment.”

Cloyes, who is a self-described libertarian with no religious affiliation, didn’t agree with the decision. ”Santa is a tradition and everyone loves him,” he said. “It’s just something that makes people happy for a while. Kids liked it, staff liked it. People took pictures.”

But the story doesn’t end there. This afternoon, following public outcry, Agnew issued a statement saying, ”We’ve received a number of strong responses to the Santa story, and it prompted another discussion on our end. As a result, we’ve decided to allow a Santa presence this year.”

Santa Claus Kicked Out Then Invited Back at Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston

Frank Cloyes (Image Source: Post and Courier)

The Courier continues:

In a statement Wednesday, Hollings spokeswoman Agnew said: “When we discussed not having a Santa presence this year, we were actually responding to previous complaints from patients with other holiday beliefs who felt excluded.”

Hospital officials based their decisions on respecting “the different cultures and beliefs of the patients we care for,” Agnew said in the statement. Santa and other holiday traditions now will be allowed “because we recognize the emotional benefit to patients,” she said.

It‘s interesting what a little public relations drama can do to an institution’s decision-making processes. It seems Santa won — this time, at least.

(H/T: FOX Nation)

Comments (117)

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  • rmarlow
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:40pm

    I think it is important to separate those who do not celebrate the traditional “Santa’s Christmas” with those who oppose it. To be of the Jewish faith is not necessarily to be opposed to Santa. Just as Jehovah‘s Witnesses do not celebrate doesn’t mean they fight to oppose the traditions of others. And just because a small number of a certain religious or ethnic group oppose Santa doesn’t mean that all of the same group feel the same.

    This is really a story about an organization without a set of nuts kotowing to a fringe request. Get a set! It’s a shame that those who would have lost the most would have been sick children.

    Shame on you Hollings Cancer Center. There is more to a person than there collective cells; there is the spirit and soul that need to be treated too.

    Kudos to volunteer Frank Cloyes – we need more like you!!

    Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 4:03pm

      .
      “We don’t want to offend a volunteer with good intentions, but we need to think of the bigger picture. People who are Muslim or Jewish or have no religious beliefs come here for treatment.”

      Well then put them out in the street til Christmas is over and Santa is back at the North Pole…..

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • someonewhocares
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 4:39pm

      Well that is what you get with liberals.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post »  
    • Jezcruzen
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 4:39pm

      There is nothing “Christian” about Santa Claus. Most of what people celebrate about Christmas is pagan based and has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus the Christ. All this hub bub just goes to show how ignorant people are, especially “Christians”.

      Report Post »  
    • rmarlow
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 4:44pm

      Other than Bishop Nicholas’ of Myra and his association with Constantine and the Council of Nicea I still fail to see how Santa would offend a Muslim, Jew, or Atheist any more than a Christian. I don‘t see Santa’s tie to Christianity.

      Somebody please school me as I am truly interested in learning. Thanks

      Report Post »  
    • MrSteve_46
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 7:15pm

      political correctness runs amok once more, afraid to offend a muslim, but WILL offend everybody else…..

      Report Post »  
    • Homeschoolmama
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 7:45pm

      @ Rmarlow and Jezcruzin

      I am a Christian who does not celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas, because that’s not when it happened. It happened in the spring, we know from historical information, but we do not know the exact day nor are we supposed to. His birth was not as important as his death and resurrection. We do celebrate the tradition of Christmas with Santa and Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman.

      Many denominational Christian associate Christmas with Christ’s birth because centuries ago, in order to bring more pagans into the Catholic church and make their transition easier, the Catholic Church started the tradition of celebrating Christ’s birth on the same day as the pagan winter holidays.

      Report Post »  
    • stevirt
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:38am

      I dunno… I can picture Santa creeping from room to room, forcing cheer and presents on the poor individuals at the cancer center. Good for the staff for trying to stop Evil Santa from performing this atrocity. And now they have been pressured into allowing Santa to come in and spoil the holidays by cheering everybody up… so so soooo sad.

      Well I’m guessing that if somebody really was offended by him, they could ask him to go talk to somebody else and leave them alone – I’m betting he might even be happy to move on and find somebody who was happy to see him… although he might stay to torture them!

      Report Post »  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 5:58am

      I don‘t care if it offends those that don’t believe or don’t celebrate, you have people that do believe and do celebrate coming there, think about them. I can promise, there are more of them.

      Report Post »  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 8:19pm

      @JEZCRUZEN

      Oh quit with the pagan malarky already. Idiots who try to link every holdiay with pagans are as stupid as the idiots that try to find secret masonic codes in everything.

      Report Post »  
  • Ahmad
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:35pm

    As a Muslim I am offended that the hospital would blame Muslims for not having Santa. This is ridiculous, most Muslims I know would want people to celebrate their religious holidays according to their tradition. This hospital needs to stop blaming other religious people for their own stupid policy.

    Report Post »  
    • ErinLindsey
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:50pm

      It’s the atheists doing it. (full disclosure, I’m an atheist, but I’m a good atheist. I like Santa. I like presents too. I even have 3 Christmas trees. I dont mind crosses and 10 Commandment monuments either)

      The hospital probably had one atheist who got their panties in a wad seeing Santa Claus entertaining the children and complained and the hospital is blaming Muslims and Jews for getting rid of Santa.

      I’ve never met a Jew or Muslim that hated Santa. (altho, I’ve only known one Muslim in my life so far. I do know a lot of Jews who celebrate the present giving part of Christmas tho. Because buying and getting presents is always fun)

      Report Post » ErinLindsey  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:58pm

      True, anyone offended by someone else celebrating the religion of their choice is contrary to what our constitutional republic is all about.

      Report Post »  
    • JadeFor Freedom
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 7:06pm

      Great comments Ahmad and Erin. As Jez pointed out, Santa Claus isn‘t even a Christian figure so there’s no reason for anyone of any, or no, religion to be offended by it. It’s unbelievable how hateful people are and how just one or two people in current times can force many others to live in the same misery they live in themselves.

      Report Post »  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:21pm

      @ERIN

      The people that start all this crap are more than just atheists. I too am an atheist, but I don’t begrudge anyone else celebrating their holidays. Atheists are simply people that don’t subscribe to a religion. Theism is the belief in a diety. Atheism by definition is simply the non belief in a diety.

      Atheists are non religious. The people crusading against these things are not non religious. They believe in a diety, they just believe that they are that diety. They believe that they are all knowing all seeing oracles and anything or anyone that says otherwise must be stamped out.

      Report Post »  
  • Patriot Huntress
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:33pm

    I have an idea. Maybe it‘s time that Christian’s start building their own solid charities such as cancer treatment centers, hospitals and such. In order to fill the gap we are going to need to sacrifice big time. We will still treat those who need to be regardless of their religion but if it is private then we can have the ten commandments on the wall without concern of someone complaining. If any other religious faith wants to have a Christian free organization then let them build their own.

    Most all of the hospitals and these types of institutions have already been started in this country but they were hi-jacked by people who don’t follow true Godly principles and now they are run by secularists. It will be very difficult if not impossible to regain control over those organizations that were once in the hands of Christian believers. We now have to start over and rebuild all the institutions that we have allowed to be taken away with politically correctness and plain old laziness.

    Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:38pm

      If their patents are so full of hopelessness, why are they seeking treatment? To be offended by hope seems like a why bother to me, Just go away and die.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • loveliberty83
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:50pm

      the Sisters of St Francis run several hospitals in Tacoma Wa, thank goodness because even if you are not Christian they are there when is alone & dying, no one should die alone

      Report Post »  
  • blackstone22
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:28pm

    This is such a depressing story. Hollings Cancer center and their spokesperson Vicky Agnew should be so ashamed of themselves. I’d like to meet the patient that was so upset by a man in a Santa suit wishing everyone well and giving out treats. Oh my gosh that is so offensive ! Truly another pathetic attack on a harmless, well meaning Christian tradition that has long since gone into mainstream culture without any religious significance. Santa is not an article of faith. Christians do not worship Santa and his reindeer. What are these people afraid of? Are they afraid that someone might actually smile and enjoy the sense of giving and love that exemplifies the Christmas season ?

    Report Post »  
    • Choctaw25
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:52pm

      Charleston, SC prides itself on being called “The Holy City”, because we have more churches per square mile than any City in the Christian United States. Agnew needs to be FIRED IMMEDIATELY.
      As long as she works for the Center, I will do everything in my power to stop any and all donations to the Center. Anyone who is offended by Santa, needs to seek their Cancer treatment in Mexico or some other Muslim loving country. I will personally buy and deliver their one-way bus ticket to Mexico and help load them onto the bus out of town. It’s only a short walk from my house.
      The newly elected Mayor Joe Riley needs to personally escort Agnew out of town, when she is fired. Mayor Joseph P. Riley, a VERY CONFIRMED DEMOCRAT, still needs to stand up for the Christians in his town and demand the resignation of Agnew.
      How about it “Joe”, you gonna stay silent on this one, or stand up and be a Christian??????????
      Can’t wait to hear how the very liberal WCSC Channel 5 is going to play this down and side with the one person that complained about Santa. BAA-HUM BUG

      Report Post » Choctaw25  
    • Choctaw25
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 4:17pm

      In the interest of FULL disclosure, I am a Clemson Fan, but come on Gamecock Fans; I know you are out there and read and follow the Blaze.
      What say you about this anti-Christian witch Agnew saying it was because they are part of the University of South Carolina, is why she gave Santa the heave-ho. I thought you could be a Gamecock and still retain your Christian beliefs. But, Agnew says you are as full of it, as an upcoming Thanksgiving Turkey.
      OH OH NEWS FLASH, Agnew just cancelled any type of Thanksgiving Holiday decor and/or food in the Cancer Center cafeteria next Thursday, because they are part of the University of South Carolina and the University Trustees regard Thanksgiving as a pagen holiday and ritual. Agnew has just said that all classes in Columbia will be held as normally scheduled, because Gamecocks are atheists and atheism is the new way that the University of South Carolina is gonna roll from now on.

      Report Post » Choctaw25  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:26pm

    Who dislikes Saint Nicholas of Myra, who “had a reputation for secret gift giving” (wiki)?

    Report Post »  
  • docmd
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:17pm

    Yes the majority of us ARE CHRISTIANS get over it ………………If you don’t LOVE IT leave……..

    Report Post »  
    • TexasHunter
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:29pm

      Amen!! This is going to far! It has to come to a stop. If you don’t like our routine as AMERICANS then GTFO !!

      Report Post » TexasHunter  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:17pm

    So what is so religious about Santa Claus?? The whole St. Nick thing went out the window along time ago and it was never really Christian in the first place. It’s just a tradition that entertains kids and brings them some happiness.

    It seems like non-Christians would welcome this secular tradition over the real meaning of the season and celebration, the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

    People are getting so “ate up” about political correctness that we can’t do anything anymore without ticking some idiot off. Don’t like the culture?….Get the heck out!! We have to suffer yours!!!

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • SFsuper49er
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:17pm

    no more Santa ! Muslims say no….. So i guess we should listen …… No Holiday trees, No Holiday wreaths ,

    Report Post »  
  • texasfarmer
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:12pm

    Then you don’t need my donations when you come begging.

    Report Post » texasfarmer  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:25am

      Although I understand your sentiment, that’s not the solution. You’re only hurting the patients there.

      Report Post »  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:10pm

    This would never happen if Santa was a Muslim..

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:19pm

      He is, you should have seen that jolly old elf before his hair and beard turned white.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:09pm

    What about diversity? That old organizing scam to divide people into pockets fro exploitation?
    Or is this reverse diversity?

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • EJames439
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:05pm

    Doors opened 17 years ago – and NOW Santa’s not welcome????

    A little history to share:
    Founded in 1993 and named for former US Senator and South Carolina Governor Ernest “Fritz” Hollings, the cancer center serves a culturally and socio-economically diverse state whose populations experience unique and urgent disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.
    Hollings retired in January of 2005 as the fifth most senior member of the Senate and the fourth most senior Democrat. He and his wife Peatsy returned to Charleston where he continues to support Hollings by serving on the Advisory Board. He also is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Charleston School of Law.

    Report Post » EJames439  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:20pm

      That actually sheds alot of light on the subject!……Thanks!!

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 4:23pm

      Awwww .. look behind the spokesperson … to find the “truth”.

      Report Post »  
    • Choctaw25
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 10:14am

      Oh, now that we have that bit of nonesense information, we should feel better that Christians are being told to take a hike and that only Muslims can show their beliefs ie; slitting the throats of innocent people, bombing innocent people, and commiting terrible sins against innocent women and children. Gosh, I now feel so much better about the whole situation.
      This country was founded on Christian beliefs, so if you don’t like or support those beliefs, get the HE$$ out of Charleston and the United States, go to some Muslim loving country that supports your beliefs.
      Cancer is a terrible thing, but being a Muslim is worse, there is no possible cure for such hatred of Christian Americans.
      I will bet that the Public Relations person has a copy of the Koran in her office as a reference guide.

      Report Post » Choctaw25  
  • geonj
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:05pm

    “We don’t want to offend a volunteer with good intentions, but we need to think of the bigger picture.”
    sorry, but the bigger picture is that the maority of us ar christians. we celebrate Christmas, even the pagan traditions of santa and the tree. so get over it. if a few muslims or ews are offended, well that’s what you get with maority rule. to hell with political correctness. we are a nation driven by the majority.we need to reaffirm the rule of the majority.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • WhatTheHuh
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:04pm

    So nobody really complained about having Santa there. There was just an assumption on the part of the hospital that it was somehow “offending” Jews and Muslims. And how exactly do you have “secular” decorations for what they deem to be a Christian holiday? This is just stupid.

    Report Post »  
    • cherigc
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:18pm

      As a JEW it never bothered us having santa. We loove santa. This is the MUSLUMS and athiests causing the problem!!!!!!! Such a SHAME!!!!! This is about a war against GOD!!! so sad

      Report Post »  
  • flamegonesilver
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:04pm

    “We don’t want to offend?”
    Offend who? How can Santa offend anyone?
    Muslims? Jews? Atheists? If they don’t WANT to believe in Santa, that’s fine! DON’T.
    But it‘s ’OK’ to offend Christians? Right?
    I’m glad they changed their minds.

    Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:04pm

    Ridiculous of the hospital to kick him out.
    1. Even if associated with the school, the volunteer is not being paid, and thus is under no obligation when it comes to the separation of church and state.
    2. Santa is related to Christmas, but isn’t a purely Christian icon. The entire mythology of Santa is very very VERY vaguely Christian.
    3. It’s the holidays, ffs. Lay off and let the guy bring some cheer into the lives of patients. If they don’t agree with him, they can stay away.

    Report Post »  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:02pm

    I think I remember now – he is not religious – he is an outgrowth of the pagan Holiday of the Winter Solaris

    Report Post »  
  • amerbur
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:01pm

    Since when is practicing your traditions disrespectful to anyone? Fools being fooled by fools.

    Report Post »  
  • amerbur
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 2:58pm

    Since when did Santa Claus become a religous figure?

    Report Post »  
    • flamegonesilver
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:08pm

      I asked myself the same question…but he is part of our trad. Christmas

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:41pm

      According to Christian Tradition… Santa Claus… was Saint Nicholas, Biship of Myra… who, in the 4th Century, with White Beard, and White Fur trimed Bishop’s, Red, Robe… gave to the poor… especially at Christmas time. And, people desired to emulate this custom.

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 2:58pm

    Wow – I did not know Santa Clause had a religion?
    What is it and where can I read about it.

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 2:58pm

    we know a lot of Jews in Chicago and the burbs, some even have numbers tattooed on their forearms, and we did not ever know a single Jew who was offended by America having Santa or Christmas.

    the time has come to remove obama before he completely destroys America and our traditions.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 2:56pm

    Administrators = Miserable weasels.

    Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 2:55pm

    “Adnew also said that decorations would be “more secular and respectful to all beliefs.”

    Maybe if Santa were a towel on his head they wouldn’t complain.

    Report Post » KickinBack  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:00pm

      perhaps if santa wore a burqua?
      Seriously…how does Santa offend anyone? I defy atheists to deny their children gifts at Christmas time. I also defy atheists to stay at work on Christmas day. Go ahead atheists..put your money where your mealy mouths are.

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:07pm

      I have a question for the adminstrator at the hospital – exactly why are there decorations? Exactly what is the significance of those decorations? Hint – Christmas ..good grief

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 3:19pm

      They can also decline any Christmas/holiday bonuses offered by their employers if they feel that strongly about it.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
  • SerikFox
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 2:54pm

    What the hell…. Why are they going after Santa? Santa isn’t even christian affiliated.

    Report Post »  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 7:34pm

      WOW…!
      Talk about not thinking this through…

      YOUR A MEAN ONE ……MR.GRINCH..!

      Did they forget how the children smiled or how happy this made them..?
      Who at this hospital ,forgot the movie …… SCROOGE…???
      What the hell is happening to our country….?

      Report Post » sawbuck  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 2:54pm

    just wait until der fuhrer obama outlaws Christmas and wipes it off the National Holiday register.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
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