Santa brings cheer to local children

December 24, 2007 It isn't everyday that Santa and his helpers come knocking at the door, but not everyday is Christmas Eve.

The visits are organized by the Committee to Benefit Children of St. Christopher's hospital and Monday they were working with students from La Salle High School.

Santa and his helpers are fanning out to bring Christmas cheer to 65 families in the Philadelphia area and South Jersey.

"Recipients of our secret Santa project are all children that are being treated fro cancer and blood disorders at St. Christopher's hematology and oncology departments," Committee to Benefit the Children at St. Christopher's organizer Carleen Siegle said.

House after house received toys and turkey, clothing and gift cards to help families who must deal with the pressures of sick children and little money or time to shop for Christmas.

The Weavers have eight children, three suffer from sickle cell anemia.

"I want to thank everybody for the gifts for families," Patricia Weaver said.

"It made my kids happy and my family happy," Charles Weaver said.

The money for secret Santa is raised through corporate sponsorships and various toy drives. The result of the generosity is obviously displayed

"You see it in the faces of these kids; it's what Christmas is all about," Santa Claus said.