CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. – For Donnie Whipple, the chore of getting the mail has turned into a regular gift.
After he received more than 4,000 Christmas cards, Donnie has become known as the man who brought back the spirit of Christmas around the world. It's something he calls, the "Whipple Ripple."
Between a beloved card that folded in to a fish hat, a hand-sewn Detroit Lions card, and at least 50 others, Donnie kicked off his fifty-first birthday April 7 by reading birthday wishes from around the world.
“We’re blessed,” said Spring Hobbs, Donnie’s sister. “We certainly appreciate that they’re still remembering Donnie and helping him celebrate.”
As a family, they spent up to six hours per day opening mail—more than 4,000 cards—for Christmas.
“I think Santa Clause might know where I live at,” Donnie chuckled.
Then, after Donnie did not receive his Uncle Denny’s Christmas card that he looks forward to each year, FOX 17 witnessed their surprise reunion; a hug that was 30 years in the making.
On his birthday Donnie shared a couple wishes. First, he wanted to try his luck again at the penny slots. But more importantly, he said he wanted to be closer to extended family.
“This has certainly brought our whole family closer together,” said Spring. “I think it’s made all of us realize the importance of family, and how important it is for him to be with family.”
Their house in Cedar Springs is for sale, and now they are looking forward to moving closer to family in Grand Ledge.
“The Grand Ledge Comets miss him, the football teams and the baseball teams, because he went to every event,” said Spring.
Donnie said he is thankful for the all of these well wishes from around the world—strangers who have become pen pals, who have shown him what is really important.
Happy birthday to you, Donnie!
Spring told FOX 17 she will share their new address once they move on their Facebook page, Cards for Donnie.
