Santa's unlikely helpers visit Wellington's sick children
Wellington Children's Hospital got some special Christmas visitors today, and none of them were Santa.
Four United States marines brought dozens of donated gifts for children who won't be home for Christmas.
The marines were on a different kind of mission today, delivering gifts to the Wellington Children's Hospital.
The delivery was part of the Toys For Tots programme helping spread festive cheer to those who need it.
Families say spending Christmas in hospital is
trying but the marines join forces with staff to make the experience as
cheerful as possible
"It's
just hard not knowing when she's going to get better. She's got a twin
brother she's really missing," guardian Elaine Gousmett says.
Father Leon Zhang says his family has spent the past two Christmases in hospital.
"The nurses and doctors are very helpful. It's pretty sad that we can't spend Christmas with family at home but we have to."
The marines say they're just honoured to be putting smiles on children's' faces.
"I
don't normally say it a lot, but I actually love children. So to be
able to give them toys and make their Christmas that much better is
amazing for me," says Staff Sergeant Richard Neeley.
Since
the programme started 67 years ago more than 450 million toys have been
distributed worldwide and for the children who will spend the festive
season here it's definitely brought some Christmas cheer.
3 News
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