Palm Springs Air Museum hosts Santa flyover for local healthcare workers
Santa flew into the valley a little early this year. The Palm Springs Air Museum hosted its annual Santa flyover to give thanks to local healthcare workers today.
The tradition started about 20 years ago, Fred Bell, the Vice Chairman of the Palm Springs Air Museum, says that it’s more important than ever to thank our local healthcare workers.
“There's the flu, covid, respiratory viruses…this is an opportunity to remind people that although COVID restrictions have gone away, a lot of the challenges these folks are dealing with have not,” Fred Bell, Vice Chairman of the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Santa climbed into his candy cane striped ride, with his reindeer and little helper in tow, and was off to several valley hospitals including:
-Desert Regional Hospital
-Eisenhower Health on Bob Hope
-JFKennedy Hospital in Indio
-High Desert Regional Hospital in Joshua Tree
Healthcare workers and patients gathered outside in the spirit of holiday cheer. Some said the flyover was a kind gesture after a tough year in the healthcare profession.
“On behalf of the caretakers, the nurses and rest of the staff that disciplined the entire team here and you can see the great work that they have done throughout the year. So this was very rewarding,” said Terri Johnson, nursing director for 3 Sinatra Unit at Desert Regional Medical Center.
Anthony Perez is a child being treated for his asthma at the Desert Regional Medical Center. Anthony’s mother, Brenda Perez, said that when he heard Santa was coming, he just had to see it for himself.
“My nurse said to my kids, “You want to see Santa?,” and then they said yes,” said Brenda Perez.
Santa will also be making a donation of 25 cases of turkeys to Find Food Bank for those in need this holiday season.
Starting tomorrow the Palm Springs Air Museum will also be hosting their annual Snowtopia event. Attendees can expect to play with 40 tons of real snow, crafts, snacks and another opportunity to meet Santa.
