Rolly the Clown Brings Smiles to Kids at Chilean Mine Site

Thirty-three men have been trapped 700 meters below ground since the mine collapse on August 5, 2010.  CBS News' Fernando Suarez reports from the site in Chile.

SAN JOSE MINE, Chile

Among the rocky terrain and along the dusty road at Camp Esperanza, an unfamiliar figure is welcomed with open arms.

"Rolly, Rolly!" is heard from family members of the trapped miners, calling out to Rolly el Payaso (Rolly the Clown), aka Rolando Gonzalez. Gonzalez has been at Camp Esperanza for more than 20 days, without having any relatives or family members trapped inside the mine.

Complete Coverage: Chile Mine Collapse

"I look at all of them as family," Gonzalez said in Spanish with his face painted and a red rubber nose. Gonzalez has been entertaining children here for weeks offering them balloon animals to help the children pass the time. "I've already done four birthdays here," Gonzalez said proudly. "I look at these kids as though they were my kids."

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In his mid-to-late forties, Gonzalez mentioned his birthday is this coming Saturday but that he's already received the only gift he could ever want.

He unfurled a large Chilean flag. "It's signed by all of them," he said proudly even though none of the miners know Gonzalez personally. He also said he received a card form them thanking him for his work, for looking after their children.

Payaso Rolly says he will stay until the very end and that he hopes to spend time getting to know the miners once they surface.