Operation Santa spreads joy of giving
Children's Hospital patients get to 'shop' for loved ones
 On December 19, 2007, Santa Claus came early to the children at Palmetto Health Richland's Children's Hospital. While Santa came bearing presents, they weren't for the children to open on Christmas morning. Santa brought gifts for the children to give to their loved ones. Video »
Members of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative's community outreach organization, WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification), brought Santa and Mrs. Claus to visit with the children and offer them a unique opportunity. As cooperative Public Relations Coordinator Emily Leaphart explains, "We want the children to experience the giving spirit of Christmas. Since the children aren't home to go shopping for their loved ones, we bring the store to them."
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WIRE members Lacy Ridgell and Sandra Ballington help nine-year-old Josh Stroman pick out Christmas gifts to give to his family.
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Many children come down to the "mini-store" where they find gifts ranging from wall art to hats and picture frames displayed on tables. The children shop for gifts to give their loved ones. Their selections are wrapped by WIRE members. After they do their shopping, they have an opportunity to visit with Santa and get a goody of their own.
For the children who can't come to the store, Santa and his elves help make selections by bringing presents on a cart. The littlest of patients also get to participate as Santa takes a picture with each infant and leaves it as a memento for the parents.
Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative and WIRE have been participating in Operation Santa since 1986, spreading love and joy to the patients at Palmetto Health Richland. "This is a special time of year, and we hope that this will bring a little extra joy to the children while showing them that giving truly is the meaning of Christmas," Leaphart says.
Watch the WACH Fox News short video clip »
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