December 20, 2007

Puppy Pals bring smiles

Just days before their biggest night of the year — Christmas Eve — Santa Claus and his elves made an early trip to Boston Dec. 20 to deliver gifts to a very special group of children — young patients receiving treatment at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the Shriners Hospital for Children—Boston. The presents — stuffed animals, Beanie Babies and candy canes — filling Santa’s sleigh were supplied by the MGH Blood Donor Center, which during the month of December each year gives blood donors the opportunity to sign and personalize the gift tags attached to each toy. Each child also received a photo with Santa and his helpers to commemorate the visit.

Left, young patient Gian Ricci poses with Santa.

“The blood donors appreciate the opportunity to not only give blood, but also to give smiles to the kids,” says Kim Cronin, manager of Donor Services for the MGH Blood Donor Center.

For more information about donating blood or platelets at the Blood Donor Center, call (617) 726-8177 or visit www2.massgeneral.org/blooddonor. 

Right, Santa and his helpers bring smiles to MGHfC patients through Puppy Pals.