BURLINGTON, Vt. -
His shoes are tough to fill and his name might ring a bell, delivering toys from bed to bed. The big man in red paid a special visit to the Vermont Children's Hospital in Burlington Friday.
"I was excited I was going to get to meet him," said Hannah Johnson, 11.
"Kelsey knows it's the real Santa because his mustache is attached to him," mom Morgan Bovat said.
And Santa arrived with some very special escorts. This is Operation Fire Cuff. Vermont State Police, the Burlington Fire Department and the Morristown Police Department team up with Old Saint Nick to bring donated toys to sick kids.
"Be a good positive force for people and help the kids out that are sick on the holidays. It's the least we could do for them," said Andrew Glover of the Morristown Police Dept.
"I got a teddy bear from Santa," Hannah Johnson said.
Hannah doesn't know if she'll still be in the hospital by Christmas, so this visit from Santa is extra special.
"I've been sick for a couple weeks now and they're not sure what's wrong, but I can't hold down solids or liquids, so I'm not sure how long I'm going to be here," she said.
Reporter Gina Bullard: What can a visit from Santa do for a child?
Santa: Make their eyes light up, forget about their situation for a brief moment, remind them of some better times.
This is the second year for Operation Fire Cuff and they say judging by the multiple trucks filled with gifts, this year is better than last.
"People are just so giving during the holidays so it has been great" said Phil Edgerley of the Burlington Fire Department.
"It's all about bringing hope and cheer to everyone's life this time of year," Santa said.
Bringing some extra holiday cheer at time when these kids need most.
