During the holidays, you want to be snuggled up on the couch, drinking hot chocolate, and binge watching your favorite netflix shows. However, for some people this isn’t possible. Some people are on the streets trying to stay warm with a thin blanket, watching as people walk by in their puffy winter jackets. Nick Rause is one of the people in the world that try to make the holidays better for the less fortunate.

Nick Rause, a 2018 graduate of Greater Latrobe, currently goes to school at Seton Hill to pursue his career as a Physician’s Assistant. Before he begins his career of helping people, he’s getting a jump start by volunteering at places such as Feeding the Spirit, which is a non-profit organization in Greensburg that serves dinner to those in need. “It’s really eye-opening to see the people that come in to eat dinner,” said Nick. “They’re all so kind, and it’s sad to think that they wouldn’t be having a meal if we weren’t here to help.”

When he goes to volunteer, Nick doesn’t just serve the food, he becomes friends with the people who come in and brightens their day, while they brighten his. “I love talking with the people who come in for dinner and hear their stories,” said Nick happily. “It’s a lot of fun to spend time with them, and I hope I make their day because they definitely make mine.”

Nick volunteers at Feeding the Spirit almost every Thursday, and it is his favorite part of the week. He doesn’t just do this for volunteer hours, like most people, instead it is out of the kindness of his heart. He said, “I love volunteering because these people deserve it, and it warms my heart to see the smiles on their faces when they leave after a good meal.”  

Nick’s help, along with others, is extremely important to people in need, and it’s even more important during the holiday season. He’s able to provide holiday meals to those who wouldn’t have one otherwise, and that truly makes a difference in the lives of the people in our community.

Nick occasionally takes a trip to Pittsburgh to lend a helping hand. He recently attended an event at Allegheny Center Alliance Church to hand out blessing bags that contain basic toiletries and snacks to those in need. He was thrilled to help out. “It was freezing cold but my heart was warm knowing I was able to help the great people who showed up,” Nick said. “I didn’t even want to leave I was having such a good time with everyone.”

He saw a woman who looked cold and didn’t have a hat, so he took the one off of his head and gifted it to her. Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. “When I gave her my hat, it seemed like she opened a gift on Christmas that she’s been asking for, and that’s why I do it.” For Nick, seeing the smiles on their faces is equally as rewarding to him as his help is to them.

The dedication that Nick has to helping people in our community and beyond is truly a Christmas miracle. With his endless kindness, he’s able to brighten the lives of others while they brighten his. Today, you don’t see genuine care for others like this very often. Nick Rause is truly the real St. Nick.