METRO's Blue Santa will deliver Christmas gifts and holiday cheer to young patients at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. The event, now in its sixth consecutive year, will take place at the hospital on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
"It makes us feel good to give back," said Clyde Goodnight, a METRO police officer and president of the Blue Santa program. "Seeing these children focused on celebrating with their families and Santa, instead of their illness, is priceless."
Festivities begin once Blue Santa and his elves arrive from the North Pole. Patients and their families will be treated to toys, coloring books, cookies and punch along with personal visits from the big man in blue! METRO employees will be on hand to assist Santa and hospital staff during the event.
“It means a lot to see the children filled with so much holiday cheer and we are proud to partner with METRO each year in order to do that,” said Richard Weir, director of child life and expressive therapies at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. “These events bring a lot of joy to our patients and their families. They are both meaningful and important as they provide a wonderful distraction from why they’re here. A visit from Santa can put any patient in the proper holiday spirit.”
This year's operation will also kick-off the unveiling of Abby Beats, a new project initiated by Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. Funds donated by the Blue Santa program will aid in the purchase of stuffed animals specially equipped with fetal heartbeat recorders which will be given to expectant mothers facing high-risk pregnancies.
Editors
Note: Media planning
to cover this event should contact the METRO Press Office at 713-739-4040.
METRO's Blue Santa program, a 501c(3), began in 2010 and is funded by METRO employees who elect to have a portion of their wages directed to the charity.
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