Holiday cheer abounds, as FDNY Brings Santa and His Elves to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children

Engine 320, Ladder 167 Makes a Special Delivery for St. Mary’s Kids Before the Holidays

St. Mary’s Kids were in a festive and excited mood last Friday as firefighters from Engine 320, Ladder 167 brought Santa Claus and his elves to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children’s to spread holiday cheer to the young patients—all of whom are battling complex medical and life-limiting conditions due to serious illness, injury or complications of premature birth.

Chants of “We want Santa!” from the eager children were met with a cheery, “Ho Ho Ho” from Santa who mysteriously appeared on the roof with his bright red bag hung over his shoulder. As he climbed down the fire truck ladder waving and smiling, he was immediately surrounded by over fifty excited children. The firefighters, Santa and his elves spent the rest of the afternoon visiting with the children, and their families, taking pictures and hearing the children’s wish lists.

For over 25 years the dedicated and brave firefighters have brought Santa to St. Mary’s Bayside Campus. The annual holiday event is a favorite for both St. Mary’s Kids and the firefighters, who turned up in numbers to spend time interacting with the children.
“Seeing the joy and smiles on the faces of the children as they spend time with Santa, is a big part of why we come back year after year to St. Mary’s,” said firefighter Joe Barongi. “St. Mary’s is an amazing place, and this annual visit is a deep-rooted tradition at our fire station, we hope to make this event bigger and better each year.”

Check out the Facebook photo album by clicking here.