Santa, elves visit St. Christopher's Hospital

PHILADELPHIA - December 24, 2011 (WPVI) -- Santa and his helpers made a stop in Hunting Park with gifts for some very special children and their families.

Although he has a very busy night ahead, Santa made time to visit St. Christopher's Hospital for Children Saturday afternoon, along with helper elves from the Philadelphia Highway Patrol and LaSalle College High School.

All were on hand to help the Children's Benefit Committee deliver Christmas gifts to patients, like 2-year-old Daniela Coss and to their siblings and parents.

"I really appreciate what they did for my children," said Brenda Cross. "It is something that I don't have words to express myself."

Including siblings, like Daniela's 4-year-old twin sisters, and 6-year-old brother, is a key to this holiday tradition, as Santa explained to me.

"We let the siblings know that the reason Santa, and the elves and highway patrol, and everybody is here, is simply because that child is so special. Sometimes these kids don't make three weeks later; there are not with us anymore, but the memories the siblings have with the child is valuable," said Santa, Jim McCloskey.

Students from LaSalle raised money to buy the gifts and shopped for them, according to each family's wish list.

"They come back getting so much out of this," said Conrad Heckmann. "It's more than just giving presents. We get to go and see the children and be a part of their families for a day."

And no matter how old the patient, the spirit of these holiday visits is something all ages can believe in.

"At this time of year it is more or less about caring and loving and sharing with each one. That is a great gift, just showing someone you care about them," said Tracy Wylie-Young.

In addition to visiting the children at the hospital, Santa and his elves have been visiting discharged patients throughout our area for the past couple of days.

Anyone who would like to support this effort can make a donation by following the link below.

Links:

Children's Benefit Committee

http://www.stchristophershospital.com/

Track Santa:
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/

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philadelphia, pennsylvania, local/state, amy buckman

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