“We do this out of the kindness of our hearts and the desire to come out and show these kids that we care about them,” reveals James Altman, division chief in training for the Santa Monica Fire Department. “We come with Santa Claus to spread some cheer and give toys to the kids who are at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica. All the people here are off duty; they come in on their own time to represent the Santa Monica Fire Department. We do this off duty, so it doesn’t become political, so there is not a taxpayer spent, but instead, this is a way for us to give back. We care about the kids who are in our community. I don’t care what age you are. When Santa Claus turns the corner, you smile and believe.”

Tags: featured, Pediatrics, Santa Monica Fire Department, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica