Santa Visits Patients At Shriners Hospital For Children

BOSTON (CBS) – Santa arrived in Boston Wednesday on a special sleigh, courtesy of the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation.

His mission was joyful and simple, to bring an early Christmas to kids at the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Shriners specializes in caring for kids with severe burn injuries and other serious problems, so for these young patients, the visit was beyond special.

The sirens wailed as Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves got a ride down Blossom Street in a Boston Fire ladder truck. He then thrilled the kids by going up on the truck's tower to wave to them from the outside.

"Me and my wife, we come down at least twice a year, before our busy season, and we try to bring a little joy to these kids," Santa said.

And then one by one, the Claus's visited the kids, many who've been here for months and some from other countries.

"I tell them they're doing well, keep on doing what the doctors and nurses are showing them and they'll be healthy and happy," he says. "Seeing the smiles on those kids' faces is life changing," adds Mrs. Claus.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports

It's all organized and staffed by volunteers from the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation.

"We have one mission, to ease the suffering and hardship of burn victims and their families," says Steve Turley from the Foundation. "Whenever we come, it's just so uplifting for us, and it warms everyone's heart."

There's a party with lots to eat, plenty of giveaways and of course, presents from Santa. All for children who have been dealt a difficult hand, but who can still feel the joy of the season and the caring of others.

"It's really great, and it's the best thing I ever saw," says Kaylee Twyman, a young patient at the hospital.

And when the party ended, it was back to work for the big guy.

"I leave here and get back to the workshop and I have a few elves here with me today, they get a little bit of a vacation, but they're going double time when we get back," says Santa.

The Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation also holds a Christmas in July at Shriners, and some of them go there every week to visit the kids.