Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus Fly In From the North Pole By Helicopter to Cheer Up Sick Kids at Huntington Hospital

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special visit with presents and cheer for sick children at the Huntington Hospital Wednesday, courtesy of the Pasadena Police Department’s Air Operations Section and the Foothill Air Support Team.

The jovial couple touched down in their rotor-equipped “sleigh” atop the hospital and were joined by Pasadena Chief of Police John Perez to hand out presents collected during the 15th annual Operation Polar Wind toy drive. 

Because of COVID-19, this year’s delivery of hundreds of toys looked a little different. The kids could not meet Santa on the hospital’s roof, but with the help of hospital staff, Santa and Mrs. Claus were able to safely deliver the toys to the kids in hopes of bringing some Christmas cheer.

The Pasadena Police Department’s Air Operations Section started this program years ago to help bring joy to children at Huntington Hospital who are suffering from serious or life-threatening diseases.  Because of their illness, many of these children and their families are forced to spend Christmas in the hospital.

All of the toys are either donated by different organizations or purchased with funds collected from Pasadena Police Department employees and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley agencies serviced by the Air Operations Section.    

“Every year I look forward to Operation Polar Wind,” said Chief Perez. “The happiness it brings to the children receiving treatment at Huntington Hospital is priceless not only for them and their families….but for me and the rest of the men and women of the Pasadena Police Department.”

“The Air Operations section works enthusiastically with [hospital] staff to collect and purchase the toys for the children to make sure they have a wonderful holiday season.  I am appreciative of everyone who participates in this event.”