Barack Obama Dresses Up As Santa To Deliver Presents To Sick Children At National Hospital In DC
Former President Barack Obama brought some much needed holiday cheer to sick kids at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Obama dressed up as Santa while singing Christmas carols with hundreds of hospital staff and children during his well received visit. The 57-year-old arrived at the medical center in a red hat and happily sang a chorus of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” with the packed crowd.
“I just want to say thank you to all of you guys, we had a chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families,” Obama sincerely told the excited gathering.
“At a time that obviously is tough for folks, as a dad of two girls, you know, I can only imagine,” he continued.
“In that situation, to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them, and looking after them, and listening to them and just there for them, and holding their hand… that’s the most important thing there is.”
“What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be about,” Obama concluded.
Obama made his rounds throughout the hospital, carrying a sack of toys on his back. The 44th president gifts included remote control cars, Hot Wheels sets, nail polish, jigsaw puzzles and much more. His presence brought tears of joy to one little girl when he stepped foot into her hospital room.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National. And thanks for humoring me as your stand-in Santa. https://t.co/mFmYCVk7cr
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 19, 2018
The first African-American to be elected to the presidency danced for the emotional girl as she was seen covering her mouth in shock. Obama soon wrapped his arms around the child as she broke down in tears. The father of two was also pictured hand-delivering gifts to many others, including a grateful little girl wearing a fake stethoscope.
Obama later took to Twitter to write, “Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National. And thanks for humoring me as your stand-in Santa.”
Kurt Newman, chief executive and president of Children’s National Health System, told the Washington Post the kids “will be talking about [the visit] for years to come.”
Children’s National Health System (formerly DC Children’s Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center) is ranked among the top five children’s hospitals in the country by Human Rights Watch.
According to their website, Children’s National is one of only 12 children’s hospitals in the country to attain Level 1 Surgery Verification from the American College of Surgeons.
