Santa Climbs to Pediatric Ward

Christmas arrived early on Wednesday, Dec. 23 for children in the Pediatric Ward at the Riverside University Health System Medical Center. Santa Claus made a grand entrance with the assistance of Moreno Valley Fire Department firefighters, by climbing up an aerial ladder to the third floor Pediatric Ward, where he then delivered presents to the patients there. This year marks the 23rd year of CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department's partnership with ABC7 and dozens of Southern California fire agencies' for the "Spark of Love" toy drive. The Riverside County Fire, Moreno Valley Fire Department, specifically has been working with “A Spark of Love” toy drive for ten years. In the past the firefighters have only delivered the presents, but this year the Battalion Chief Fire Department's, Mark League, wanted to do something different. “This was my first year working on it as the new Battalion Chief here for the city. Historically we have come to the hospital, but this year we wanted to step it up a bit. Having the opportunity to not only bring Santa here, but bring him on the ladder up to the third floor makes it that much more special for the kids,” League said. This was the first time Santa has made this entrance at the hospital, but hopefully not that last, according to Chief of Operations for Riverside Medical Health Center, Jennifer Cruikshank. “I think it is a wonderful gift for our kids in the hospital. We so are excited to have them here--the whole fire department. We hope that this continues. It is the first year we brought Santa to the window, but this is very memorable,” Cruikshank said. For Council Member, George Price, this was the first time he has attended the event. “It’s great to see the firemen here from our community helping give gifts and make Christmas merrier for children in the hospital. It’s incredible that in addition to the jobs they have, they put time and energy to give back to our community. It allows the kids and residents to see them as normal people,” Price said. League, who has worked with this event years prior as a Captain, shares that the event held a special place. “It is a special opportunity for us, and myself to be involved. I can’t imagine being a child in the hospital during the Christmas holiday. It puts a tear in my eye. Makes my heart warm that we are able to give these kids this opportunity. It’s a special moment,” League said.