‘Operation Polar Wind’ Delivers Early Christmas to Huntington Health Pediatric Patients

The holidays arrived out of the eastern skies into Pasadena on Wednesday morning as the Pasadena Police Department’s Air Operations and Huntington Health (formerly, Huntington Hospital) teamed up for their annual “Operation Polar Wind” event Wednesday morning. 

“Santa Claus” stepped out of the blue police helicopter onto the hospital’s rooftop heliport on the west tower accompanied by interim Pasadena Police Chief Jason Clawson and was greeted by officers of the air services division, as well as Mrs. Claus, whose face mask was blown off in the rush of wind from the helicopter blades as she awaited her husband.

According to Dorey Huston, Senior Manager, Public Relations & Media for Huntington Hospital, Wednesday’s landing was the 17th such delivery from the North Pole.

“Being in the hospital at Christmas time is such a difficult thing, especially for children,” she said. “This really lifts their spirits.”

This year, with a rise in respiratory cases in the pediatric ward, only one young patient, wrapped in a blanket, was available to meet Santa as he arrived at the rooftop. He was happily given several gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Asked why he had arrived earlier in the season than usual, Santa said, “I’m here because of him,” pointing to the patient.

“This makes me so happy to do this. Thank you for inviting us,” Santa said, as he headed towards the elevators that would deliver him down to the pediatric ward. 

Exiting the elevator, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were greeted by happy applause from members of the hospital staff.

Meanwhile, additional members of the air services division filled the parking area in front of the hospital as they unloaded trucks filled with scores of bags loaded with donated gifts for the young patients.

Last week, Pasadena Police Commander Marcia Taglioretti told Pasadena Now that over 100 children will receive presents this year. 

The Pasadena Police Air Operations unit again collaborated with other members of the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) for this year’s toy drive. 

“All children currently in the Pediatric Ward at Huntington Memorial will receive a gift. Gifts will also be left with hospital staff for children who are admitted after the day of the event through the Christmas holiday,” Taglioretti said. 

Aside from gifts, several arts and crafts items will also be given to the hospital for children’s use, according to Taglioretti. 

Police have raised nearly $5,000 for this year’s Operation Polar Wind. According to Taglioretti, donations came from Pasadena Police Department employees both sworn and professional staff. 

Beside contributions from police officers reaching into their own pockets and pitching in, the annual toy drive was funded through generous contributions from Pasadena Police Foundation, employees and officer associations participating in the FAST program throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including air operations for Arcadia, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Pomona, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.

After visiting the hospital to deliver gifts, the Air Operations Section, in conjunction with nonprofit Peace Over Violence will bring to the North Pole (Pasadena Police Heliport in northwest Pasadena) children who have suffered trauma to receive presents. 

Peace Over Violence, an organization committed to serving domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in the community, selected 75 children belonging to the families they currently serve this year to receive gifts.

“After delivering gifts to Huntington Memorial Hospital and Peace Over Violence, remaining gifts get donated to various organizations in both Pasadena and FAST cities,” said Taglioretti.

In the past, donations have been made to the City of Hope, Pasadena Unified School District, local churches, patrol officers who hand out toys during the course of their patrol shifts and different non-profit organizations throughout the city.

The Pasadena Police Department’s Air Operations Section started “Operation Polar Wind” to help bring joy to children at Huntington Hospital who are suffering from serious or life-threatening diseases who usually spend Christmas in the hospital.