CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Fire Department’s goal is to ensure that young patients at Shriners Children’s Hospital and throughout the city experience some holiday joy.
The 8th Battalion stepped in for Santa Wednesday, unloading lots of toys and goodies from their fire trucks.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The firehouse is down the street from Shriners, but it wasn’t the only stop the firefighters made.
“Today we have visited Illinois Masonic, Comer Children’s Hospital, St. Anthony’s on the South Side, as well as here and Rush,” stated Sam Kamberis, from CFD.
And there were plenty of presents to go around, thanks to toy drives organized by Ignite the Spirit, a charity established by CFD.
Koran Harris, 7, happened to have an appointment to get fitted for a new prosthetic leg. He and his parents came in from Milwaukee.
The trip was made even more special with an unexpected Christmas gift.
“I first saw the football, and then I saw the car. Then, I saw the basketball, and I wanted them both,” Harris said.
Anthony Valsi, 10, had corrective surgery on both his pinky fingers, and chose a football to toss around with his brother.
“Their generosity is much appreciated and heartwarming during this festive season, not only for Anthony but for all the children here,” expressed mother Melissa Valsi.
The items, that are all new, in their original packaging, non-latex toys, will be taken to a storage room at Shriners and sorted, so different departments can come and select gifts that they’ll be giving to the patients they see between now and Christmas.
It’s a way to make the holiday season brighter for their patients.
“When our kids are here in the hospital, it’s kind of a scary time. And, when we have these toys to be able to share with our patients, it makes this place feel more warm and inviting, and makes them feel special themselves,” said Darlene Kelly, with Shriners Children’s.
Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
