Santa Claus – alongside Elf on the Shelf and the Grinch – made a special visit to the Atrium Health Beverly Knight Olsen Children’s Hospital on Wednesday to visit children and babies staying there.   

“This tradition is near and dear to our hearts,” said Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “To see their little faces light up after a tough time in their lives makes it all worth it.”  

The Fire Department has been making this tradition happen since 2021. Due to COVID-19 precautions in place at the hospital, Santa was not able go inside to see patients. So, the Fire Department put him on their truck’s ladder, along with the Grinch. 

“We had a group of firefighters come together and pulled resources, off duty, and they got in touch with Santa Claus,” said Chief Edwards. “This is just one of those instances where our firefighters went above and beyond for the community.”