Dec
19
Written by:
Ranken Jordan
Friday, December 19, 2008
Members of the Maryland Heights Police Officers Association spent Dec. 19 helping Santa Claus with his Nice List, bringing joy – and toys – to children with complex medical conditions at Ranken Jordan.
Santa didn’t show up with his sleigh and reindeer, instead arriving in a PT Cruiser accompanied by a police motorcycle escort. And that’s not to mention the paddy wagon filled with gifts.
The officers handed out toys to patients, and the children also visited with Santa to check off their holiday wish lists.
“Even though the economy is bad, it’s absolutely wonderful that there are groups like the Maryland Heights Police Department who are still out there giving back to the community,” said Laureen K. Tanner, R.N., M.S.N., president and chief executive officer at Ranken Jordan. “It was amazing to see the excitement and joy on the children’s faces as the gifts were being handed out – this visit has truly uplifted all of our spirits at Ranken Jordan.”
This is the fifth consecutive year the association has visited Ranken Jordan to mark the holiday season. Throughout the year, the association raises money and accepts donations from the public and people within the Maryland Heights Police Department and employees from the City of Maryland Heights that is earmarked solely for this event.
“It’s awesome to be involved in this program, and to be a part of these very special kids’ Christmas,” said Police Sgt. Joe Eagan. “Aside from that, it is a blast to fill the paddy wagon up with toys instead of prisoners, at least for one day of the year.”