Beverly Hills Firefighters Continue the Tradition of Bringing Joy to Hospitalized Children

The Beverly Hills Firemen's Association distributed toys to sick children on Christmas Day once again this year. These toys were collected through the Spark of Love Toy Drive which was supported entirely by donations from the public and the Beverly Hills Firemen's Association. They visited both Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA Medical Center and Cedars Sinai Medical Center on Christmas morning complete with Fire Captain Dean Viana dressed as a Santa Claus. His daughter volunteered her time to dress as an elf. "This is something I really enjoy doing for the kids every year", Captain Viana said dressed in full beard and costume.

This year the Firefighters also recognized the efforts of the doctors, nurses, and staff with a small gift. With the help of a donation from an anonymous Beverly Hills Citizen, the Beverly Hills Firemen's Association gave each of the staff of a handmade Christmas themed hat. "The nurses and doctors put so much of themselves into each child under their care, we feel it's only appropriate that they are appreciated" said Engineer Melissa Hillis. "It really pulls at their heart strings to work Christmas Day around so many sick and injured children so it was nice to see smiles and laughter as Santa distributed silly and playful hats. It really brought everyone together, firefighters, nurses, doctors and the entire medical community who so often have to work through the holidays away from their families." If you would like to contribute next year to the Spark of Love Toy Drive click here http://bit.ly/tvn4Kb