Elk Grove Police and Fire Departments Visit Hospitalized Children

Members of the Elk Grove Police Department and Cosumnes CSD Fire Department visited Sutter Children’s Center, Sacramento on Thursday to deliver holiday cheer to children in the hospital.
The guests brought several large bags filled with wrapped presents which they hand delivered to the children first thing in the morning.
Children received Barbie dolls, games, toys, books and more from the police and fire departments.
“We look forward to this visit every year,” said Amy Medovoy, child life coordinator, Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. “Children and families love to visit with police and fire officials. It really brightens their day.”
Though it was early in the morning and one toddler was just waking up, his face lit up when policeman George Benitz walked into his room to deliver a gift.
George may have enjoyed the visit just as much as the child.
“That was awesome,” he said. “His whole mood changed when I walked in.”
Justin Quarisa, with the Cosumnes fire department, gave Jamba Juice and Starbucks gift cards to one teenage patient. The two engaged in a conversation about how Justin’s career got started and how the toy delivery was going so far.
The Elk Grove police and fire departments have been conducting the toy drive and distribution to local hospitals since 1996, according to fire department spokesperson Julie Rider.