Daniel L.G. Hurst has been involved with children his entire life. He was born in 1952, the oldest of 9 children, in Florida. After graduating from high school, he entered the Army, where he met his future wife. After his service in the military was complete, Daniel went to work for the school system (in both elementary and middle schools) as a Behavioral Technician for special needs children. It was during this time that Daniel began to portray Santa Clause for children’s charities as well as for many fund raisers for school programs. He is also a certified USBC Level one coach for youth bowlers, and a certified Babe Ruth-Cal Ripken baseball coach for ball players up to 16 years old. Daniel and his wife now have three wonderful children and five beautiful grandchildren. They are both retired and live in Florida where he continues to write and enjoy time spent with their children and grandchildren.