‘Blue-Collar Santa’ makes fuel deliveries festive 

BRADLEY, Maine (WABI) - It’s not often your heating oil comes with a festive surprise.

But, that was the case for some folks this week in the Bradley area.

Justin Barnes is known as the Blue-Collar Santa.

What began at another job carried over when he got hired by Morin Fuel.

“I explained to him that I enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus. I’ve done it in the past. You know, customers have had just really, you know, brightens the day, shocks them. And they love the idea of it. So, the last two seasons, I’ve dressed up as Santa Claus. And this one, they’re doing a giveaway of fuel, three prizes. So, if they get a picture of me, they get an extra entry into the little raffle,” said Barnes.

And his deliveries have some extra gifts, too.

“I got a thing of candy canes. I’m giving out some calendars with a little sticker they made for me. More fuel stickers with me as Santa Claus,” said Barnes.

But, for the Blue-Collar Santa, the best gift he can bring is joy.

“You know, I have a lot of smiles, a lot of waves. it’s the best gift I can have. The world right now is not a fun place. A lot of people are struggling. It’s hard. If I can make one person light up, enjoy the day, that just makes their day. You know what I mean? Like, oh, I saw this giant Santa Claus driving an oil truck,” Barnes said. “You see a lot of people that just, they don’t have that that sparkle in their eye anymore, and if I can get that split second where I can see that sparkle, win.”