He wears red shirts, black suspenders and black boots just about every day.
His office looks like the North Pole, with Santa Claus decorations and Christmas trees everywhere — all year long.
And, now, Mike Peppers, 67, has one more thing to add to his collection: a new Isabel Bloom sculpture that has been created in his honor.
The new piece, called “Santamobile,” was inspired by Peppers — on his 40th anniversary of helping Santa in the Quad-Cities — and the bright red convertible sleigh-mobile that Santa stores at Peppers’ business, Sergeant Peppers Auto Shop in downtown Davenport.
The sculptures, priced at $25 each, are available only through Dec. 31.
“They’re going to be sold all over the world,” Peppers said. “I think that’s really something that I’ve accomplished in my lifetime. I’m very honored to have that.”
Donna Young, the head designer for the Davenport-based Isabel Bloom company, said it was Peppers’ enthusiasm for Christmas and his commitment to bring smiles to children’s faces that sold her on the idea.
“He’s passionate about what he does,” she said. “I just think that’s huge.”
One fateful ride in July
About two years ago, Peppers left one of his “Santa” trading cards, along with a note, in the guest book at the Isabel Bloom store in the Village of East Davenport. He asked to have someone call him because he had an idea.
When Young called, Peppers told her this year would be his 40th anniversary of working closely with Santa. He wanted to know whether she might consider creating a likeness of his Santamobile. The idea intrigued her.
“A lot of the best sculptures come from customers’ suggestions,” she said.
So Young and a team of Isabel Bloom employees met Peppers at his auto shop on a hot day in July, and they all donned Santa hats and took a ride in the Santamobile, which is a convertible. She said he had holiday music blaring and people were waving as they drove past.
“It was so funny,” she said, laughing. “He spreads cheer all year long, he really does.”
That ride sealed the deal for the sculpture, but Young was a little concerned. She often creates people, animals and wildlife out of tinted cement — but not cars, she said.
No worries. Peppers is thrilled with the end result, noting how Young captured the curve of the wheel wells, the front end and the lights.
“I thought she did really well with it,” he added.
Santamobile stays at Peppers’ shop
The locally famous Santamobile was built almost 20 years ago, during the early 1990s.
It’s been repainted twice at Peppers’ shop, where he tells children he stores the vehicle for Santa. It’s kept in Davenport because it’s the “almost center” of the country, he added.
The sleigh-type convertible is good for those times when there’s no snow on the ground — as well as when the snow flies, Peppers tells the children.
“Santa has been seen in his big red Santamobile with his elf, driving around, checking on all the good boys and girls,” Peppers wrote in an essay this summer. “I know he works all year-round so Christmas will be special for everyone.”
Peppers was only 27 when he first agreed to assist Santa with his duties, doing so on behalf of the Davenport Jaycees. His brother, Bob, was president of the organization at the time, and he asked Mike to help deliver toys with him.
Those innocent faces, with their big eyes open wide in surprise and happiness — that’s what got Peppers hooked.
Eventually, he began assisting Santa at the Davenport Public Library and the Quad-City Arts Festival of Trees, along with other projects that help handicapped and low-income children.
Peppers’ office is filled with all kinds of Christmas mementos, including photos of children with Santa.
“They get so excited,” he said. “It’s tremendous.”
NOW that is COOL! ALTHOUGH it really BOTHERS ME they continue to make her art/and she is DEAD!??