YAKIMA, Wash. -- After 35 years of granting Christmas wishes, Larry Broder-son wants to sell his Santa suit on eBay.

"I've already told people this is my last year. It's something I have to do," said Broderson, 63. "This was my way of giving back, and I think I've done that now."

Broderson's parents were field workers, and he grew up as one of 12 children in Moxee. Every year, the community helped his family by donating Christmas baskets of food and toys.

When Broderson grew up, he wanted to return the favor.

So he donned some red clothing, strapped on a white beard and distributed paper bags of oranges and apples to children at Barge and Lincoln elementary schools.

That was the beginning.

In the years ahead, he would cruise the streets of East Yakima and give away toys to the boys and girls he saw. He sang Christmas carols at nursing homes and handed out teddy bears to seniors.

Working through his nonprofit group -- now called Christmas Smiles for Kids -- he also organized fundraisers. He's used the proceeds to buy clothing, food and toys for seven to 25 families in the Yakima Valley for more than two decades.

"It's crazy," said Broderson, noting he got ample help from businesses and community groups. "It ended up being a monster. The phone was always ringing."

His work typically began around Thanksgiving by fielding calls from people who either needed help or wanted to help. He then converted his house into a warehouse as the collections arrived. He's since wised up and uses a storage shed.

When he visited with families to ask what they wanted, their needs were basic.

"Some people said they wanted a toaster, a microwave, sugar for their kids," said Broderson, who works as a fleet manager for King Beverage Inc. in Union Gap. "If it was within reason, we got it."

To his sister, Virginia Young of Yakima, Broderson's generosity is nothing new. Her younger brother is a loving person who makes people laugh, she said. Children gravitate toward him, and he feels happiest when he helps others.

"(Being Santa) has brought joy to him and joy to people," Young said. "Retiring will be hard on him because he's loved it so much."

Betty Emmerson of Yakima has known Broderson since his youth. She said he's grown into a wonderful and caring man.

This year, Whistlin' Jack Lodge of Naches donated a gift package to his cause. Broderson sold raffle tickets for the item and raised $2,000. The proceeds are being used to buy presents for about 35 children of local veterans.

"He's a good salesmen. He could sell a duck a drink of water," said Emmerson, 82. "He just has a jolly personality. ... It helps the community to have someone that really cares."

Broderson said none of his gift recipients ever knew his true identity, and he was fine with that. Still, he sometimes wished he could be a fly on the wall to watch children open their gifts.

Greg Bainter, vice president of ingredients at Tree Top in Selah, believes Broderson may still get his wish. Having known Broderson since the 1970s, Bainter said this Santa has threatened to retire a few times. Yet, he always comes back for more.

"It's amazing that it's the people who have the least that give the most. And he's one of them," said Bainter, who regularly supplies Broderson with donated juice. "He does it out of love. It's not for ego, I guarantee that."

Despite what others may wish, Broderson insists he is retiring to spend more time with his wife, six kids and six grandchildren.

"I'm really happy but I don't know how I'll feel on Christmas Eve when it's all over," he said. "I may cry."

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 509-577-7684 or at esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com