Santa and Mrs. Claus Fly In From North Pole to Deliver Gifts and Joy to Pediatric Patients at Huntington Hospital

Santa and Mrs. Claus flew in from the North Pole to make a special visit bringing presents and cheer for sick children at Huntington Hospital this week, courtesy of the Pasadena Police Department’s Air Operations Section and the Foothill Air Support Team.

The jovial couple touched down Wednesday morning in their rotor-equipped “sleigh” atop the hospital and were joined by police officer “elves” to hand out presents collected during the 16th annual “Operation Polar Wind” toy drive.

Lieutenant Bradley May of Pasadena Police Air Operations Section said about 55 children received holiday gifts during the hospital event this year.

Normally, the young patients would come up the hospital’s roof to meet Santa but this was not done because of COVID-19 restrictions. May said additional restrictions meant police were only able to take only five police officers to the hospital for the event this year.

“We were able to walk through the halls of the pediatric ward and this time it was different, something we’ve never done was go down to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). We got to cheer up the staff in the NICU as well,” he added.

According to May, police started collecting monetary donations and toys last month for “Operation Polar Wind.”

Beside contributions from police officers reaching into their own pockets and pitching in, the 16th annual visit 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 Alhambra, Arcadia, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Monrovia, Pasadena, Pomona, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.

A total of $5,700 was raised, a new record, May said.

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.

The Air Operations Section also held a second event later in the day in conjunction with the nonprofit Peace Over Violence during which Santa and Mrs. Claus handed out presents at the Benedict Heliport to children who have suffered trauma.