MOBILE, Ala. — Santa Claus arrived by helicopter Wednesday at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital, bringing holiday cheer to patients and families spending the season in the hospital.

“Moments like this remind us that caring for children means caring for their hearts as well as their health,” said Deborah Browning, MSN, RN, CENP, chief executive officer at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “Celebrating special occasions helps bring comfort, joy and a sense of normalcy to patients and their families, especially during what can be a stressful and emotional time. We want these experiences to create lasting positive memories, so they are reminded that they are surrounded by a healthcare community that truly cares.”

​​Santa touched down at the hospital’s helipad at 12:30 p.m., accompanied by members of the Cub Crew, the hospital’s neonatal and pediatric critical care transport team. Some children gathered near the helipad to watch the jolly elf’s unusual arrival from above.

“We were happy to give the reindeer a break and let Santa hitch a ride to the event in our helicopter,” said USA SouthFlight pParamedic Lee Rumbley. “The look on the kids’ faces when Santa hopped out of the helicopter was priceless. The hospital did such an excellent job making this a special event for the kids and their families, and we were honored to be a part of it.” USA SouthFlight is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading emergency air medical service provider.

Santa exited the helicopter and walked inside the hospital, on his way to greet children and their families for an ACE Hardware Christmas tree event in the outdoor courtyard. Patients had a chance to visit the courtyard and pick out a tree and ornaments to decorate their hospital rooms. Some were pushed in wheelchairs and pulled in strollers, while others made their way on walkers to take part in the timeless holiday tradition.

Local Ace Hardware stores provided more than 100 metallic trees, plus popcorn, coloring sheets, ornaments, and volunteers to assist patients and their caregivers. ACE Hardware is a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals community partner for Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

“We love to be able to give back and help during Christmas,” said Carlton Paris, an owner of ACE Hardware stores along the Gulf Coast. “We are so grateful to be able to do this and see all of the kids smiling and enjoying themselves.”

Decked out in blue flight suits, members of the Cub Crew also visited with patients during the afternoon festivities, smiling for photos and greeting families. The Cub Crew provides specialized air and ground transport services, safely transferring critically ill newborns and sick or injured children from across the region to Children’s & Women’s Hospital from across the region.