Motorcyclists donate gifts to pediatric patients at NCH

Motorcycle enthusiasts from the Rockstar Hog chapter donated gifts and hope to deliver smiles to the pediatric ER patients at NCH.

But, with the pandemic, Santa will have to do things just a little bit differently this year.

Dr. Pia Myers is the director of the pediatric ER at NCH. “Being in an emergency department during the holidays obviously challenging as it is and there’s stress factors and there’s emotions and this especially is a difficult year,” said Myers said. “So I think it’s going to be extra special this year to have all of these gifts that we can hand out to all the children that come through who need our services.”

The bikers have been rolling up to fill up these boxes with dozens of toys for five years now. The toys don’t just bring smiles to the patients.

Peggy Munson helped organize the event. “We see as much joy in them as I do the kids,” Munson.

Santa Claus is excited as well. “I think it’s great to be able to do something for the children. We think it’s a great opportunity and we’re very thankful that we can do it and we hope it brings a little bit of joy,” Santa said.

In the previous years, Santa and his helpers would go to NCH to personally hand out the gifts. But, because of COVID-19, the toys will be sanitized with UV light cleaner and will not be wrapped.

“Happy holidays to everybody, Merry Christmas!” said Santa.

The toys will be given out to the children the week of Christmas.