Santa touching down (Photo – Huntington Health)
In a joyful Christmas lift, pediatric and NICU patients at Huntington Health, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, received a heartwarming holiday surprise as the Pasadena Police Air Operations Section and the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) touched down for the annual “Operation Polar Wind.”
By News Desk
Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris arrived alongside a very special guest: Santa Claus himself, who traded his traditional sleigh for a police helicopter. Bearing gifts for the hospital’s youngest patients, Santa was welcomed with a spirited “tunnel of cheer” created by Huntington Hospital employees and families affected by the recent Eaton fire.
This festive visit coincided with Huntington’s 20th annual toy drive, made possible through generous donations from Pasadena Police Department employees and officer associations throughout the San Gabriel Valley participating in the FAST program. Each year, these community partners contribute personally to ensure the hospital’s pediatric and NICU departments feel the joy of the season. As part of the celebration, NICU families were also gifted a special “Baby’s 1st Christmas” photo ornament from the Pasadena Police Department.
The event concluded with a moment of recognition as John M. Corman, MD, interim president and chief clinical officer of Huntington Health, joined Chief Harris in honoring Jose Valdez, facilities manager for the Pasadena Police Air Operations Section. Valdez received a certificate of appreciation marking his remarkable 20 consecutive years of service to Operation Polar Wind—a tradition cherished by patients, families, and staff alike.
Additional support for the toy drive came from the Arcadia, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Pasadena, San Marino, and South Pasadena Police Departments, as well as the Pasadena Police Foundation and its corporate partners.
Santa arriving at Huntington Health in Pasadena accompanied by Pasadena Police Chief, Gene Harris (Photo – Huntington Health)
Santa spreading cheers and joy to pediatric and NICU patients at Huntington Health (Photo – Huntington Health)
Santa and his elves (Photo – Huntington Health)
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