Community Rallies Around “Santa Wayne” as the Beloved Marley Station Icon Faces Heart Surgery

((ALL PICTURES SHOWN ARE COURTESY PHOTOS))

For more than three decades, Wayne 'Santa Wayne' McCrea has kept the magic of the holidays alive at Marley Station Mall—even as the mall itself changed around him. Santa Wayne, who first stepped into the red suit in 1989, has been a joyful constant for countless families. Through shifting shopping trends, store closures, and quieter hallways, he remained the heartbeat of Marley Station during the holiday season.

Related Link: GoFundMe in Support of Santa Wayne 

Santa Wayne, 77, is shown below in the picture below with his 96 year old mother.

The impact of Santa Wayne reaches far beyond the mall. Before becoming Marley Station’s Santa, he spent many years as the Naval Academy’s Santa, also working as their photographer—a role that allowed him to create cherished memories for midshipmen and families alike.

For generations across Anne Arundel County, Santa Wayne isn’t just a seasonal figure—he’s a tradition, a familiar face, and a symbol of pure holiday joy.

This year, he returned once again to Marley Station to continue the tradition he loves most: bringing smiles to the faces of children and parents alike. However, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, everything changed. Recently diagnosed with heart failure, Santa Wayne was forced to step back from the role that means so much to him.

Gracie Painter, who is shown in the above photo as a child, said "Santa Wayne has been my Santa all my life. I never knew of other Santas." 

"When I became a mother in 2022, he became my daughter's Santa as well," Ms. Painter told Report Annapolis News.

With heart surgery scheduled for January, Santa Wayne now faces a season of worry—both for his health and for the missed opportunity to play the part he treasures most. In true community spirit, the people who love him are stepping forward to lift him up. Many who have been touched by his kindness are working together to brighten his spirits during this difficult time. The shared goal is simple:  show Santa Wayne how deeply he is loved, appreciated and supported.

"We are trying to brighten his spirits, as he is worried about the upcoming surgery and sad for not being able to play Santa," Santa Wayne's neice Cara McAdams stated. "He has touched so many hearts, and we just want to show him how much he is loved by all."

After many years of giving joy, hugs, photos and laughter, the community is determined to give something back.  Supporters have set up multiple ways to send love, encouragement, and financial help as Santa Wayne prepares for surgery and recovery:

Mail for Santa Wayne:

SANTA WAYNE

P.O. BOX 24

MILLERSVILLE, MD 21108

Drop-off boxes:

Three collection boxes have been placed throughout Marley Station Mall for cards and well-wishes.

GoFundMe for post-surgery expenses:

A fundraiser has been created under Wayne McCrea to help ease the financial burden during his recovery. Link: https://gofund.me/17c6682ca

"I have been seeing Santa Wayne since 1989 and have had the pleasure of taking my children to see him,"  Pamela Long said in a statement to Report Annapolis News. "Our son once lost his cherished toy Mater truck at the store. He brought it up every day and mentioned he was going to ask Santa for a new one. Santa Wayne made his wish come true. When he sat on his lap, Santa pulled the same Mater truck out of his pocket and handed it to our son. His face lit up with excitement! It was such an unforgettable experience that will be etched in our son's memory forever."

According to Christine Leeland, a 2022 visit with Santa at Marley Station Mall turned unexpectedly magical for her family. Ms. Leeland said with the mall nearly empty, Santa had plenty of time to interact, and when a request for Pokémon cards came up, Santa reached into a coat pocket and produced a vintage, still-wrapped card. The surprise and excitement that followed renewed the sense of Christmas magic, creating a memorable experience that won’t be forgotten, Ms. Leeland expressed.

After so many years of spreading holiday cheer, Santa Wayne needs the community he has served so lovingly. And judging by the outpouring of support, one thing is clear: he will not face this season—or his recovery—alone.

                ((PICTURES SHOWN ARE COURTESY                         PHOTOS)))