Santa and Moreno Valley Firefighters Spread Holiday Cheer to Kids at RUHS Medical Center

Who needs reindeer when Santa can use the City’s hook and ladder fire truck to deliver holiday cheer to the youngest patients at RUHS Medical Center?  The Fire Department made its dramatic delivery of Santa Claus to the Medical Center at 10 a.m. on Saturday December 23, 2017. Santa made his entrance through the third-story window of Riverside University Health System’s Pediatric Unit. The jolly firefighting elf delighted children and adults alike by scaling an engine ladder to deliver gifts from the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Local Firefighters were also on site to deliver gifts to ill or injured children who may had to spend their holidays in the hospital instead of at home with their families. “We are often at the Medical Center following an accident or a tragedy,” Moreno Valley Fire Chief Abdul Ahmad said. “It’s really gratifying to come in the spirit of the holidays—to know we are brightening the day for children, employees and guests.” Monica Yerena, who helps coordinate Santa’s visit as part of her role as a child life specialist at the Medical Center, said there is always a lot of excitement in the pediatric unit when Santa makes his holiday visit. “Our kids just can’t stop smiling,” Yerena said.