WARWICK, R.I. — A Rhode Island locksmith is spreading holiday cheer by providing children without chimneys a special ‘magic’ key from Santa Claus. Jonathan Issa, the owner of ‘Jon’s Locks Inc.,’ began this heartwarming tradition in 2013, aiming to make Christmas more magical for kids whose homes lack chimneys.
Operating his locksmith business for the past five years, at 2362 W Shore Rd. in Warwick, Jonathan’s son, Zachary Issa, joined the family business after graduating from high school in 2017. While Jonathan focuses on locksmithing duties on the road, Zachary manages the shop, handling tasks such as duplicating car keys, house keys, and fixing ignitions and car door locks.
Amid the challenging times of the pandemic, Jonathan decided to uplift spirits, inspired by a childhood memory. As a child, he lived in an apartment without a chimney and wondered how Santa would enter their home. His mother gave him an antique skeleton key and assured him that Santa would use it magically to gain entry. Jonathan’s desire to create a similar magic experience for others led to the distribution of hundreds of ‘magic’ Santa keys.
The first year, the locksmith gave away around 225 magic keys, and the numbers remained consistent in subsequent years. The golden keys, available in various shapes and sizes, come with a special poem from Santa Claus. The poem reads:
This key is very special, you see.
It won’t work for you or me.
Hang it outside the door,
Go to bed and worry no more.
Close your eyes and close them tight.
Santa Claus is coming tonight.
The community response has been overwhelming, with customers flocking to Jon’s Locks Inc. the week before Christmas to pick up a free key. The keys are meant to be hung on doorknobs outside the door on Christmas Eve, allowing Santa to collect them and use his magic to enter the homes.
For Jonathan and Zachary, witnessing the smiles and excitement on children’s faces brings immeasurable joy. Jon, who served in Iraq and faced tough moments during his military service, explains that seeing the happiness he brings to children warms his heart and alleviates some of the lingering challenges he experienced.
The tradition continues to resonate with families, and customers appreciate the effort that makes their children’s holiday season even more enchanting. For Jonathan and Zachary, the magic keys serve as a reminder that simple gestures can have a profound impact on people’s lives, especially during the holiday season.
So this Christmas, with the help of Jon’s Locks Inc., children without chimneys in Rhode Island will receive a ‘magic’ key from Santa Claus, ensuring that the holiday season remains full of wonder and joy for all.
By bringing a touch of magic and spreading holiday cheer, Jonathan and Zachary are exemplifying the spirit of the season and reminding us all that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference, both in the lives of children and in our hearts.
