Operation Polar Wind brings holiday joy to Huntington Health pediatric and NICU patients

On December 11, 2024, Huntington Health welcomed the Pasadena Police Air Operations Section and the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST), for Operation Polar Wind – a very special visit to Huntington’s pediatric and NICU patients. Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris escorted Santa Claus to Huntington Hospital via his sleigh (helicopter), bearing gifts for the hospital to share with pediatric patients all year long.

“We are so grateful to the entire team at Pasadena Police Department and our local police agencies for their incredible generosity,” said Amy Pendleton, director women and children’s services, Huntington Health. “The entire team, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus, bring so much joy to our patients and staff. We look forward to this visit every year.”

The 19th annual toy drive was funded through generous contributions from the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) employees and officer associations participating in the FAST program throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Every year, these community heroes donate from their own pockets to support Huntington’s pediatric and NICU departments. Also, Huntington NICU families received a special ‘Baby’s 1^st Christmas’ photo ornament from PPD.

The donations were also provided by Arcadia, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Marino, and South Pasadena Police Departments, Pasadena Police Foundation and Trader Joe’s.

To learn more about Huntington’s women and children’s services, go to: Maternity Hospital | Labor and Delivery | Family Birth Center