Santa Swaps Sleigh for Cook Children’s Teddy Transport in Las Vegas Trail Visit
“We were handing out candy and small toys to kids and parents, but we were the ones actually receiving a gift. It really hit home when one of our recently graduated students from the training center ran out of her apartment smiling ear to ear so we could see her graduation certificate."
Contributor Dana Walraven
With bags of candy and toys in hand, it was a beautiful day for a walk with Santa Claus. Families cautiously peeked out from their balconies and windows at first, hearing the Christmas music playing from Cook Children's Teddy Bear Transport and a loud "Ho, ho, ho!" from Santa.
For the first time, the Teddy Bear Transport team gave Santa's reindeer some extra nap time before Christmas Eve, taking Santa on a ride-along through the Las Vegas Trail Community on Saturday.
“Seeing children light up as Santa arrived in their own neighborhood was a powerful reminder that joy and connection can be created anywhere, especially when families are met with care and heart," said Sky Ramos, a community health worker at Cook Children’s Neighborhood Health Center Las Vegas Trail.
The Fort Worth Police Department guided Santa and Teddy Bear Transport through three neighborhoods: Broadmoor, Cambridge, and Casa de Los Sueños.
Children rode on their bikes, while others ran with their arms wide open; parents followed closely, carrying their babies. Santa greeted everyone while his "elves" distributed candy canes, small presents and information about the health center.
“We were handing out candy and small toys to kids and parents, but we were the ones actually receiving a gift,” said Veronica Tolley, Cook Children’s vice president of primary and specialty services. “It really hit home when one of our recently graduated students from the training center ran out of her apartment smiling ear to ear so we could see her graduation certificate.”
In true holiday spirit, Cook Children’s Health Care System showed up for its community. All goodies were prepared by Cook Children's administration, the Center for Community Health (C4CH), Cook Children’s Health Plan (CCHP), and Child Life.
It’s just one small step towards a big effort to enhance the quality of life for this Fort Worth Community.
"It was a great morning, change takes time and we will not give up,” said Lenee Bassham, Director, Child Safety at The Center for Community Health at Cook Children's.
For the staff on the ground, that change begins with a single point of connection.
“Just sharing a smile and a candy cane can make a difference in one's whole mindset, for both the children and adults,” said Dana Walraven, strategic partnerships manager at the neighborhood health center. “I think we achieved that, along with letting families know about the services available.”
Santa's work is never done. He continued the celebration at the Las Vegas Trail Rise Community Center. Paige Charbonnet, executive director of LVT Rise, led her annual Christmas event, ensuring families all across the community received a bit of cheer. According to Santa, almost everyone was on the Nice List this year.
Sergeant A.S. Owen of the Fort Worth Police Department was excited to see Santa and the community gather for holiday fun.
“I can tell you that effort changed the sentiment around that neighborhood, even if it's just a little, for everyone that saw y'all and will continue to chip at that community in such a positive way year-round,” said Sgt. Owen.
Learn more about the Cook Children's Neighborhood Health Center Las Vegas Trail and its services, classes, and events click here.
