Transit workers step in as Santa at Staten Island hospital
Spreading holiday cheer can come in many forms, from handing out candy or presents to singing carols. But several New York MTA workers went above and beyond, visiting sick kids in the hospital dressed as Santa Claus.
The MTA and local New York charity Kids Against Cancer teamed up to make Christmas come true for kids stuck at Staten Island hospitals during the holidays.
One MTA bus driver went all out in an authentic Santa costume delivering presents to a six-year-old girl who’s been in the hospital for six days.
The little girls father told the New York Post his daughter was upset because she had to miss school, but when she saw Santa, she started to fee’l better.
“‘She said, ‘Oh, Santa came to see me,’” Rahat Khan told the New York Post. “She was so happy. It was a big surprise for her from Santa.”
The MTA driver, Bill Lewis, said he plans to play Santa for as long as he can.
“It warms my heart to see the children smile. It makes you feel joy. If you can bring a smile to a child’s face, it’s automatic joy. You can definitely see it in their faces and their smiles,” said Lewis.
Our picks this week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is your No. 1 source for things to do, see, make, buy and eat through the holidays. Here are our recommendations:
LISTEN: What’s on Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ holiday playlist?
DRINK: Here’s the holiday spirit Atlanta’s sipping this Christmas
DO: Seven places to show off your ice skating moves in and around Atlanta
VISIT: Full AJC holiday guide for things to do, buy and enjoy
For our full coverage of holiday events around metro Atlanta, check out the AJC’s Things to Do page.
About the Author
Ebony Williams is a writer, indie producer and director, and journalist for a variety of magazine outlets. Her career has led her to create content for entertainment, sports, lifestyle, local breaking news and more.
