LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — In the pediatric unit of Inova Loudoun Hospital, children and their families face the prospect of spending the holidays in the hospital. But on Wednesday, children’s faces were lit up with smiles and Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
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The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus to the hospital, followed by a trailer packed with toy donations. Members of the community donated as part of a partnership with the nonprofit Cole’s Closet.
Sheriff Mike Chapman told Patch that the sheriff’s office has been doing the toy drive for at least eight years. Along with making a difference for the kids, he says it is “uplifting” to the sheriff’s office personnel that participate.
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“It’s just a joy to be here and see the expressions on the children’s faces,” said Chapman.
Susan Carroll, the president of Inova Loudoun Hospital, said the toys are delivered to patients in the pediatric unit and emergency room. Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves brought presents to children as young as toddlers to teens, sometimes donning masks and other protective gear to protect vulnerable patients.
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“It’s very special. Nobody wants to be in the hospital and nobody wants to be in the hospital during Christmas,” said Carroll. “Children especially don’t want to be in the hospital.”
Chapman said the generosity from the community with toy donations has been continuous over the years. Residents could drop off new toy donations at Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stations and the Leesburg Police Department Headquarters through Dec. 13.
Carroll said Santa’s toy deliveries can bring comfort to children who may be scared to be in the hospital.
“Seeing Santa and Mrs. Claus come this time of year helps ease their anxiety a little bit,” said Carroll.
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