Biggest Heart 50-11-17 05 The Lilly Thomas Story

Summary

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Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Biggest Heart 50-11-17 05 The Lilly Thomas Story

Original Air Date: November 17, 1950

Summary Date: September 23, 2025

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1. Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of Biggest Heart, part of a Golden Age radio series re-broadcasted by Harold’s Old Time Radio, spotlights the moving, true story of Max “Santa” Rabinoff—a humble, big-hearted man from Denver’s Lincoln Park Housing Project. Through narration, dramatization, and heartfelt testimonies, the episode explores how Rabinoff, an immigrant and retired businessman, became a beloved neighborhood figure by repairing and distributing toys to children year-round, especially those less fortunate or bedridden. The broadcast honors his enduring legacy and compassion, concluding with a community effort to extend his kindness after his unexpected passing.

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2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to the Series & Character (00:32 - 04:03)

• Host/Narrator Pete Smyth introduces the program's ongoing mission: to find and celebrate ordinary people with extraordinary compassion, “big hearts.”
• The focus is on “Santa” Rabinoff, discovered at Lincoln Park Housing Project, Denver, who is affectionately called Santa by neighborhood children.

The Legend of “Santa” Rabinoff (04:03 - 07:33)

• Rabinoff enjoys being nicknamed Santa, finding joy in the role more meaningful than his given name:
  • Quote: “It makes me feel good inside when the little ones call me that. I like it better than Max. Max is just another name. But Santa, that means something.” — Max Rabinoff (04:03)
• Anecdote: A skeptical new boy is brought to meet Rabinoff, questioning his “Santa” credentials—no beard or suit—but is won over when presented with a newly mended wagon:
  • Quote: “You see, perhaps the reason the children call me Santa is because they can’t pronounce my name. Rubinoff, Ravenhoff, Offendorf. It makes no difference. Santa is easier.” — Max Rabinoff (07:21)

How It All Began: Heart Illness and a New Mission (07:33 - 10:20)

• A few years prior, Rabinoff suffered a serious heart attack and was advised by doctors to retire and rest. He struggled with inactivity and, after relocating to Lincoln Park, sought purpose through community engagement.

The Toy Workshop: From Tinkering to Citywide Charity (10:20 - 15:34)

• Starts by simply repairing neighborhood kids’ broken toys with minimal tools. When he discovers many children without any playthings, he devises a plan:
  • Visits multiple toy and department stores to request broken or unsellable toys, promising to repurpose them for needy children.
• His approach: gentle persuasion, personal engagement, and hopeful vision.
  • Quote: “If you could only see their smiles, you'd know how good it is.” — Max Rabinoff (11:40)
• As donations increase, his small workshop grows, transforming into a bustling “Santa’s workshop” for the entire neighborhood, reminiscent of the North Pole.

Reaching All Children: Inclusivity & Private Acts (15:34 - 19:14)

• Emphasis on unselfishness: Rabinoff seeks out sick or bedbound children—regardless of race, creed, or color—delivering puzzles, games, and scrapbooks personally, often anonymously.
  • Quote: “Just tell him, Santa. Yes, he’ll like that. Just tell him, Santa.” — Max Rabinoff (18:00)
• Finds joy in bringing happiness, seeing himself as “just a little boy sometimes.”

Rabinoff’s Roots: Poverty & Citizenship (19:14 - 24:26)

• Shares difficult upbringing in Russia, never having toys as a child; immense pride in simple hand-me-down clothing.
• Greatest pride comes from gaining American citizenship—a moment filled with meaning:
  • Quote: “That day meant a lot to me. It was the end of a long, hard struggle. ... You have to live through not being one.” — Max Rabinoff (21:12)
• Recalls helping a German immigrant friend study for the citizenship exam, drawing parallels between farming and American government structure in a memorable teaching moment (23:03 - 23:57).

Legacy & Sudden Passing (24:55 - 28:25)

• Pete Smyth prepares to honor Rabinoff in person, but learns of his sudden passing from his family:
  • Quote: “Mr. Rabinoff had a heart attack this morning. He passed away about 11 o’clock.” — Sarah (26:14)
• Family and radio team resolve to tell the story, believing that “Santa” would want his story to inspire others.

Community Response and Memorial (28:25 - 30:15)

• The show diverts planned gifts for Rabinoff to fund a huge Christmas party for Lincoln Park’s children instead, an act the family endorses.
  • Quote: “All these things will bear cards that read, from Santa Rabinoff. Merry Christmas.” — Pete Smyth (29:25)
• Listeners are invited to contribute, continuing Rabinoff’s mission.

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3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being called Santa:
  “It makes me feel good inside when the little ones call me that. I like it better than Max. Max is just another name. But Santa, that means something.” — Max Rabinoff (04:03)

• On fixing broken toys for children:
  “If you could only see their smiles, you’d know how good it is.” — Max Rabinoff (11:40)

• Anonymous giving:
  “Just tell him, Santa. Yes, he’ll like that.” — Max Rabinoff (18:00)

• On American citizenship:
  “That day meant a lot to me. It was the end of a long, hard struggle. ... You have to live through not being one.” — Max Rabinoff (21:12)

• On inclusivity:
  “And it doesn't make any difference whether he knows them or whether or what their race, creed or color.” — Pete Smyth (17:27)

• Memorable teaching metaphor:
  “The Constitution is to the government of the United States the same as the law of nature is to farming.” — Max Rabinoff (23:07)

• On his legacy:
  “The money that would have been spent for the gifts for Mr. Rabinoff be used instead for a Christmas party for the children at Lincoln Park. So this is what we’re going to do.” — Pete Smyth (28:25)

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4. Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction to the Big Heart program & concept: 00:32 - 02:23
• Meet Max “Santa” Rabinoff: 02:23 – 07:33
• Santa's origin & heart condition: 07:33 – 10:20
• Starting the toy mission: 10:20 – 15:34
• Helping sick/bedbound children: 15:34 – 19:14
• Rabinoff’s background and citizenship: 19:14 – 24:26
• Rabinoff’s influence and philosophy: 24:55 – 28:25
• Community Christmas party plans: 28:25 – 29:44
• Soliciting listeners for nominations: 30:15 – end

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5. Episode Flow & Tone

The episode is warm, reflective, and poignant—using dramatization and first-person accounts to immerse listeners in Rabinoff’s world. The tone is tender, nostalgic, and ultimately celebratory, even as it acknowledges loss.

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6. Conclusion: The Lasting Message

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to unsung heroes like Max “Santa” Rabinoff—ordinary people whose quiet generosity transforms communities. His story, embodying humility, resourcefulness, and cross-generational kindness, inspires the audience to recognize and amplify the impact of “big hearts” everywhere.

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“May there be more like him.”
— Scroll dedicated to Max “Santa” Rabinoff (29:44)

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To nominate a big-hearted person, listeners are invited to write to Fred Ward, KLZ, Denver. The legacy of “Santa” Rabinoff endures, inspiring kindness, community action, and remembrance.

Transcript

[Sarah]

Hey, this is Sarah.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, even kind of cheesy. But I like it.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell. Oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

Made with K tree eggs, smoked bacon.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

And melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AMPM Too much good stuff.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Before we get into the story for tonight, I'd like to ask your cooperation. I want you to help us find some people, a special kind of people. You see, the folks we want to know about are the ones who have hearts as big as Pike Peak. Take Fort Collins, for instance. I'd be willing to bet that there are hundreds there who would qualify. How about the state of Wyoming? I happen to know from experience that it's famous for its friendliness and hospitality. Name any town. Lyman. Walsenburg, Akron, Fairplay. There must be big hearted people in all of them. Look in your block, across the alley, down the county road from your ranch or farm, anywhere you find them, in unusual places. Then tell us about them, these great people carrying big hearts.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

Here is a new program, a program for you, the people, a program known as the Biggest Heart, presented each week at this time by Fred Ward Incorporated, your Hudson dealer and distributor. In every city in this land, there are folks who think about the other fellow once in a while. In every small town on ranches and farms, there is a person who's always around when things go wrong and a friend is needed. You don't see their names in the papers. They may not be rich or famous, but they are the kind of people this world of ours can't do without. For they've got big, wide, open hearts. If you know of some such person, write a detailed letter to Fred Ward, klz, Denver, for we want the world to know about them. And now here is your narrator, Pete Smyth, to tell you about tonight's person of the Big heart.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

If you will look at the calendar as of today and count toward the end of the year, you will find that there are exactly 51 days until Christmas. Now, I don't mean to be telling you to hurry with your shopping. There's plenty of time for that. But I do want you to understand why tonight's story of the Big Heart is a Christmas story. We have a very special reason for telling it tonight. You will understand when you Hear it for it's a story about a Santa Claus. A year round Santa Claus. Right here in Denver at West Colfax and Mariposa. Just before you start over the West Colfax viaduct, you have often noticed an expansive group of well kept brick buildings. They are known as the Lincoln Park Housing Project. And that is where I found Santa. I had been told that he lived in number 231. I knocked on the door.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Yes?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

I'm looking for Mr. Rabbinoff. Max Ravenoff.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

I am Max Ravenoff.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Are you Santa Rabinoff?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

The one and the same. Here, have one of my cards. Thank you.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Sure enough, the card read Santa Rabinoff. He stood there smiling as I gave him a quick glance. He actually looked like the real thing without the beard and the red suit. Same size, same twinkle in the eye, the same coloring and the same roly poly construction.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

You like the cards?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Yes, they're very nice.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

In the housing project There are over 1,000 children under 15 years old. They all started calling me Santa and I liked it. So I had the cards made.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

I think that's a fine compliment to be called Santa.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Hell, it makes me feel good inside when the little ones call me that. I like it better than Max. Max is just another name. But Santa, that means something.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

And this goes on the year round. March, July and September.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

365 days a year. You know, it's very funny the way it happens sometimes. For instance, a few weeks ago, a little girl brought a little boy to my door. It seems that the little boy had been telling the little girl that there wasn't any Santa. And she was trying to prove to him that there was. Well, hello, Judy. What can I do for you today, huh?

[Sarah]

There. There he is now. What I tell you? Aw, that ain't Santa Claus. He's new here. Santa, he says, you're only in fairy tale.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Whoa. Well now, have a good look, young man. Here, kick in there. Now, don't I feel real just like you, huh?

[Sarah]

Is your name Santa?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Well, that's what they call me.

[Sarah]

You do look like him a little bit.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

You're kind of fat to my face. He tells me.

[Sarah]

If you're Santa, where's your beard?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Don't you think it's a hot day to be wearing a beard?

[Sarah]

And where's your red suit?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Ah, that I wear on special occasions only.

[Sarah]

Santa, he doesn't have any toys to play.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

What? Well, now, we can't have that. You. You come along with me, huh? And we'll see what we have in the Workshop. Here we are. Warning, children. You see, this is where I mend the toys and make new ones.

[Sarah]

There, what did I tell ya? Gee, gosh, you have wagons and scooters.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

And doll buggies and swings and games and.

[Sarah]

Gee, you have more toys than the May Company.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Well, maybe not that many. Now, I'm gonna tell you a little secret. You see, I'm not the real Santa. I'm just one of his helpers.

[Sarah]

What's your real name?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Max Dribbino. And what's your real name, huh?

[Sarah]

Jimmy.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

All right, Jimmy, what do you think you'd like, huh? Wagon? A tricycle? A game?

[Sarah]

Mr. Rubinoff?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Yes, Jimmy?

[Sarah]

Could I maybe have a wagon?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Oh, I think you can have a wagon. And not even maybe. Here, how about this one, huh?

[Sarah]

Gee, thanks, Mr. Rubinoff. His name is not Mr. Ruben.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

That's all right, Judy. It doesn't matter.

[Sarah]

Why don't you just call him Santa?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Is it much more simple?

[Sarah]

This is a real nice wagon. Gee, thank you, mister. Thank you, Santa. There, now, what did I tell you?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

So you see, perhaps the reason the children call me Santa is because they can't pronounce my name. Rubinoff, Ravenhoff, Offendorf. It makes no difference. Santa is easier.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Well, I think the reason is pretty clear. Tell me, Santa, how did all this get started?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Well, it really started about three years ago. I'd been working pretty hard in my business. Maybe too hard, in fact. In fact, one evening, my wife and I were eating supper. I began to have a funny feeling in the chest. I remember Jenny had cooked me a very nice dinner.

[Sarah]

Why, Max, you haven't even touched your food. Aren't you hungry?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

It must be that I ate too much for lunch.

[Sarah]

But you're looking so pale, so tired.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

No, no, no. I'm all right. I think if I could just lie down for a little while, I would feel better.

[Sarah]

Max, let me help you.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

I have a funny feeling here. Here in the chest. Right here by the heart.

[Sarah]

Max. Max. Oh, Ma. Oh, Dr. Grimes, how is he? How is my Max?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Mrs. Ravenoff, your husband is a very sick man. He's suffering from a serious heart ailment. We call it coronary thrombosis. But it's still heart trouble.

[Sarah]

Will he. Will he live?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Yes. Yes, he'll live. He has many years ahead of him.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

If.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

If he's careful.

[Sarah]

What can we do for him?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

He must have rest, a long rest. He mustn't work for some time. He's worked too hard already.

[Sarah]

Will he be able to return to his business?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Well, Mrs. Ravenoff, I'll be able to tell you more about that in about a year.

[Sarah]

A year?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Or perhaps two years. I know it's a long time, but if you want my frank advice, I would go even stronger than that. I would suggest that Max retire.

[Sarah]

Retire?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Yes. I'm sorry. But you see, this life is a tough one, and Max hasn't had it easy. And I think he's earned a long vacation.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Well, I rested and rested and rested. For two long years. I rested. You know, that's very difficult for a man who has worked hard for many years to do. I like to work. I like to keep busy. When we came here to Lincoln park to live, I. I began feeling better. And I found a way to keep busy.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

The children?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Yes.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

More.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Most of them were little ones. I started just by fixing their broken toys, replacing the lost bolts and screws, and general tinkering with the trikes and skates. At first, my only tools were a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. Then I began to notice that many of the children didn't have playthings. This made me very unhappy, for I couldn't afford to buy toys for all of them. Then one day, a wonderful idea came to me. A way to get toys for all the children. Are you Mr. Bixby?

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

That's right. I'm Bixby.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

You the manager of the toy department?

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

Yes, and the buyer.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

My name is Rabinoff. Mike's Rabinoff. And I have an idea. In your store here, you must have lots of toys that get broken in shipping or don't run for some reason. And you can't sell them?

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

Yes, occasionally.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Well, I'm pretty handy with tools, and I can fix them up and give them to the children who don't have many toys.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

I say, what's not a bad idea?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

If you could only see their smiles, you'd know how good it is.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

Yes. Yes, Mr. Rabinoff. We'll see what we can do.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Are you mis Rolf?

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Your shop is very beautiful, especially the dolls.

[Sarah]

Why, thank you, Ms. Rolfe.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

You sometimes have broken dolls?

[Sarah]

Yes, I'm afraid so. You'd be surprised what our breakage is.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Mm. Well, I know several hundred little girls who don't have nice dolls.

[Sarah]

Several hundred little girls?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Yes, in my neighborhood. And if I could have your broken dolls, I could fix them up as good as new and make some little folks very happy. And not only that, Ms. Rove. Yes, it will make you very happy, too. But, Mr. Porter, all these toys and things just pile up in your storeroom. And gather dust. I can make them useful again and then see that they go where they will do the most good. It will cost you nothing, and the boys and girls will appreciate it so much, you'll never know how much until you see them. Mr. Lacrosse, have you ever seen the faces of poor children when you hand them a shiny toy? Ms. Kent, you won't know these toys when I get there with them. If they can be fixed, I'll fix them. Mr. Marshall, if you could only see their smiles.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

When Santa Rabinoff had a wonderful idea, he followed it through. He covered the city tirelessly, calling on department stores, doll shops, hardware stores, bicycle shops. If they sold anything for children, they were treated to Santa's pleasant, persuasive brand of salesmanship. His idea worked. Soon there was a steady stream of broken and unsalable toys flowing toward the little workshop at Lincoln park. He acquired new tools, A band saw, a drill press to make his job easier and faster. Before long, it was necessary to move to larger quarters, A big basement room beneath the recreation hall of the housing project. Now it looks exactly like the real Santa's workshop. Must look at the north Pole. As you stand there amidst the neat rows of toys and the shelves, wheels and spare parts and bolts, and you smell the wood shavings and the paint, you can almost see the little elves busy with their hammers and their brushes at their benches. That is, if you believe in Santa Claus. But not all of Santa's time was spent in his workshop. There was no doubt about it. Santa loves children, but he is especially fond of the ones who are confined to their beds with diseases like rheumatic fever or polio. He has ways of learning where they live and just what they need to shorten the long days and nights.

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[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

And it doesn't make any difference whether he knows them or whether or what their race, creed or color.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Let's see now. This is the third floor, apartment 3, 5, 6, 7. This must be the place.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Mrs. Hendricks?

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

I heard your little boy is sick.

[Sarah]

Oh, yes, that's right.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

I brought him a few little things to play with.

[Sarah]

Why, why, thank you very much.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

But you see, in this box is a puzzle. It's a nice game for sick boys. Keeps them busy a long time. And here are some logs to build things with. Right in bed. And here's a scrapbook.

[Sarah]

But you don't know us. Who told you about my brother?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

You like the scrapbook? See, it's full of pictures. Trains, automobiles and animals.

[Sarah]

It's very nice.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Well, it's not fancy. I made it myself.

[Sarah]

You're very kind to do this.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

I'll tell you a little secret. I think I'm just a little boy. Sometimes when I'm cutting out the pictures and pasting and. And I have such a good time myself.

[Sarah]

I'd like to see. Now that he's asleep.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Oh, that's all right. That's all right. I'll come back.

[Sarah]

And who Should I tell him? Brought these things?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Just tell him, Santa. Yes, he'll like that. Just tell him, Santa.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

The year round, no matter if it be Halloween or the Fourth of July or if it be the Christmas season or the fishing season, Max Rabinoff makes it his responsibility to see that children have a reason to smile. He can't look after all, but he puts a light in thousands of young eyes each year. As always, I couldn't resist trying to learn why some people seem to be born with a kindness and goodness that flavors their entire lives. So I asked him about his own childhood. His answer was unexpected, but a pleasant surprise.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

I was born in poverty. Russia. I had two older brothers, two brothers younger, very poor. I never had many playthings myself, and not even good clothes. I still remember how proud I was of a coat my mother cut down and made to fit me from my father's old Prince Albert. My boots were too big and, well, the old officer's cap I had kept sliding down over my ears. But I didn't mind. He would have thought I was the czar himself. But there was another day, many years later, when I was even more proud.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

What day was that?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Well, that was when I stood in the courtroom in New York City with a group of others and heard the.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

Judge say, your petitions for citizenship in the United States have been granted. The court will administer the oath. Raise your right hand and repeat with me the oath. I hereby declare an oath that I absolutely and entirely renounce and endure all.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Allegiance and fidelity.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

And that I take this obligation free, freely, and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

That day meant a lot to me. It was the end of a long, hard struggle. You know, I don't think most people know what it means to be an American.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

No, I. I don't suppose we stopped to think about it very much.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

You have to live through not being one. I remember a young German fellow named Werner. Let's see, it was back in the 1920s, I think. He was engaged to an American girl, but she wouldn't marry him until he became a citizen. He had tried and failed the examination, so the girl asked me to help him. In the evenings, I'd go to his house and we'd study. But you see, Mr. Rabinoff, I have troubles with the English. It makes the government have to understand. So when they are asking the questions, too, I cannot explain in my words what I'm meaning.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Now, wait.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

When they. You're a farmer, aren't you? Yeah.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

All I want is to get married and have a nice little farm and some children.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

You have your farm and the children too. Now, what is the Constitution? Yeah, yeah, Constitution. Well, it's the constitution. No, no, no. Wait, wait. How do you farm, huh? I get the ground ready.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

I put the seeds in.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

They grow from the sunshine, the rain. I pull out the weeds. Then later I reap the harvest. But the seeds, the crops, what is it makes them grow? Isn't there a law?

[Sarah]

Oh, yeah, yeah. I see what you mean.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

There is a law of nature. That's it. That's is a fundamental law of farming. Now, the Constitution is to the government of the United States the same as the law of nature is to farming. Now, there are three kinds of farming, aren't there? What do you mean? Well, dairy farming. Farming the ground, like vegetables, potatoes and wheat. And then fruit farming, like, well, cherries and apples. Yeah, well, there are three branches to the government. Executive, legislative and judicial. Yeah. Now, you run the farm. You are the executive. You see, it's all just like farming.

[Sarah]

Ah, I see. Just like farming.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

I'll be the executive. I'll be the boss, huh? The boss. Well, I don't know. You better ask your new wife about that.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

And did young Werner get our government all figured out?

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Yes. He passed the examination, buried the girl, and I suppose they're still farming. I haven't heard from him for a long time, but he turned out to be a good American citizen. You see, he, too, knows what it means to be one.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

That, briefly, is the story of Santa Rabinoff. He traveled a long, rough, roundabout road from Bobrojsk, Russia, to Denver, Colorado. But he always managed to keep a firm hold on his faith and his courage and his belief in things that are right and good. He's known what it is to be poor and sick and tired and hungry. Perhaps that is why he thinks so much about other people and their problems and needs. Perhaps that's why his heart is so big. Now, there's a sequel to the story, and it isn't easy to tell. Usually at this time on this program, we introduce to you in person the man or woman of the big heart. I had hoped to do that tonight. In fact, I've been looking forward to it for two weeks, ever since I met Santa Rabinoff. But Tuesday afternoon, I decided to check with him to see if he was all set to appear tonight. I dialed his number.

[Sarah]

Hello?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Hello. May I speak to Max, please?

[Sarah]

Who is speaking, please?

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

This is Pete Smythe. It's about the radio program.

[Sarah]

Oh, I'm sorry. Mr. Rabinoff had a heart attack this morning. He passed away about 11 o'. Clock.

[Max Rabinoff (Santa Rabinoff)]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Thank you. Well, there isn't much one can say at such a time. At first we weren't going to do the story at all, but after discussing it, we've got members of Max's family, his four daughters and his two sons. We all decided that we should tell it, that it just might do some good to tell it. Well, if it has done that, even though it might be just a little bit, then we know that that's the way that Santa Rabinoff would have wanted it.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

As you all know, the 1950 Community Chest campaign is now in full swing. It has been extended for another week so that workers may contact every citizen at this time. In place of the commercial message usually heard, I'd like to talk to you about your community chest. The 88 agencies that make up the Community Chest are counting on you this year. Because of greater population, the Denver Area Community Chest is serving many more individuals and families. You are asked only once, so your contribution should be large enough to do good for all. Those of you, and there are many who have made contributions at your places of employment can do a bit more, perhaps by contributing to the worker who calls it your home, that is through the residence division of the CHESS campaign. Better still, you have a simple, easy way to contribute without waiting to be asked by a door to door canvas. If you will pick up your phone at the earliest opportunity and call an easily remembered number, main2221, a community chest worker will come to you and receive your contribution. Call main2221. Ask for Ms. Redfeather. Tell her you want your contribution picked up at your address. Give and give generously to the Denver Area Community Chest. And now Pete Smythe speaking for Fred Ward.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Thank you, Bill. Tonight you've heard the story of how one person did something every day to make our world a better place in which to live. And on these programs we plan to present a scroll and gifts and surprises to that person. We salute. We had plans for Santa Rabinoff, for instance. The one thing he needed and wanted was a vice for his work bench. I only wish we could have given it to him this evening. However, the members of his family have requested that the money that would have been spent for the gifts for Mr. Rabinoff be used instead for a Christmas party for the children at Lincoln Park. So this is what we're going to do.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

Plans are already underway to make this the best Christmas Ever for all of Santa's children at Lincoln park. There will be a big tree, the largest one we can fit, into the recreation hall.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

And there will be boxes of apples.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

And oranges and Special entertainment by KLZ radio personalities, Art Gal, Red Allen, Master Chip, Mr. Pete and others. And I'd like to be there too, Pete, thank you.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

We'll expect you. And there'll be candy and popcorn balls and bucks, bubble gum and all kinds.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

Of good things to eat and baskets.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

Of food and of course, toys and games and dolls. And all these things will bear cards that read, from Santa Rabinoff. Merry Christmas.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

If any of you listeners would like to send gifts or toys for Santa Rabbanoff's Christmas party, just send them to KLZ Denver. We'll see that they are placed under the tree for some youngster.

[Pete Smyth (Narrator)]

And now I have the scroll which will be sent to Mrs. Max Ravenoff. It reads, the Biggest Heart. Max, Santa Rabinoff. Presented November 3, 1950 on the Biggest Heart program radio station KLZ. Great people carry big hearts. Santa Rabinoff. May there be more like him.

[Fred Ward (Sponsor/Announcer)]

If you would like to suggest some big hearted person for this program, the Biggest Heart, just write a letter to Fred Ward, K.L.Z. denver. Letters will be judged on what the person has done for others. So be as complete as possible in our cast tonight. Jim Herrick played the part of Max Rabinoff. Also heard were Barbara Peters, Karen Evans, Johnny Zahl and Dick Woolhoff. Script by Barbara Peters and Pete Smyth. Direction Charles Roberts. This is Bill Jones inviting you to listen next Friday, Friday night at 7:30, when Fred Ward, your Hudson dealer and distributor, will present the fourth in this new series of programs saluting the Biggest Heart. This is klz, KLZ fm, Denver.