Humboldt General Hospital (HGH) EMS shared space with Santa and shared a plethora of cookies this Saturday. Kids and parents from all over the Winnemucca area visited for pictures with their favorite elf.
Madie Waldie was in charge of organizing the event. This was her third time at the helm, and the fourth year HGH EMS decked its station for the holidays. “We did it as a toy drive-slash-food drive, and it’s been a big success,” Waldie said. Captain Fergus Laughridge donned the beloved suit, took requests and handed out candy canes.
HGH EMS sponsored the afternoon, but hospital staff also joined in. “It’s become a big Humboldt General Hospital event,” Waldie said. Hospital staff members took pictures and handed them to the families in festive folder frames. One person from every department of the hospital provided cookies, which meant there was a wide variety for visitors to choose from.
Waldie said kids and parents were lined up out the door and around the building at 1 p.m. when the event started. Some waited in line for as long as 45 minutes for their chance to chat with Santa and scarf some cookies.
Though kids of all ages could participate for free, donations of non-perishable food or an unwrapped toy were encouraged to help make Christmas brighter for kids in need. The toys donated went to the Frontier Community Action Agency to help with Project Santa and the food went to the Winnemucca Food Bank.
Waldie said she was surprised by how much people contributed. “People are very generous, and it’s been a great success already this year.”
