Mrs. Claus delivers holiday cheer — and presents — to patients at children’s hospital

Christmas came a week early at Ascension Saint Alexius Women and Children's Hospital in Hoffman Estates, as Mrs. Claus delivered presents to pediatric patients Wednesday.

For the 10th year, Ascension teamed with the Meijer store in Bloomingdale to bring Christmas cheer to children and their families during their stay at the hospital. The children were in the hospital for respiratory ailments including RSV, asthma and pneumonia, said Katie Hammerberg, coordinator of Child Life Services.

Santa's “head elf” FaceTimed the patients during the morning to receive the children's wish lists. Gifts were delivered by Mrs. Claus and her helpers during the early afternoon. Each child received multiple items, including clothing, games, toys and sports equipment such as Nerf footballs.

Nora Bucio, age 23 months of Elgin, received purple and green dresses, and a stroller so she and her mom, Maria Barajas, can go for walks at the zoo.

“She loves it,” Barajas said.

“Link,” a golden retriever-mix therapy dog, also took part in the heartwarming event.