Miramar Police Make Holiday Visit to Kid Patients at Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital

“Kids shouldn’t have to spend Christmas in the hospital,” Officer Anthony Pacetti said

It's a holiday to remember at Joe DiMaggio's Children’s Hospital, where Miramar police officers made their rounds Monday.

"I was like, ‘what’s happening’ and got kind of freaked out,” 11-year-old patient Jasmyn Brown said.

On Christmas Eve, the officers acted as Santa to patients as young as eight days old.

“Kids shouldn’t have to spend Christmas in the hospital,” Officer Anthony Pacetti said. “As a child, it’s all about receiving gifts and as an adult it’s all about giving, so I wanted to give to the kids who are going to spend their day in the hospital."

The officers handed out hundreds of toys after Wal-Mart donated $1,000.

Where is Santa? Track Him Here

One of the officers knows what the little patients are going through. His daughter occupied one of the beds until she died of cancer three years ago. She was only 20 months old.

“There were many dark days for me and my family here,” Officer Carlos Villalona said. “I spent Christmas Day in the hospital, but I remember there were people who took the time and came and put a smile on my daughters face by bringing a gift. I look at it as an opportunity to give back.”

The smiles filled the halls and rooms of a hospital that now has a little more Christmas spirit.

VIDEO: Kids Ask Santa Claus the Darndest Questions

This is the third year Miramar police officers have visited the hospital, and they say they will come back for many years to come.

What Is Opened and Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas in South Florida

Contact Us