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Santa Doses Out Cheer

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

TAMPA - Even in December, the weather does not always make folks feel like it is Christmastime, but in July, that trick can be even more daunting.

Regardless of the hot and humid conditions outside, however, for a brief time inside St. Joseph's Children's Hospital lobby, it really was Christmas in July.

The recent event was held to help child patients at the hospital forget about their illnesses and have a little fun socializing with other patients.

The main attraction, of course, was a visit by Santa, also known as Trace Crisp of the Krewe of RumRunners. Wrapped gifts were handed out to each of the hospitalized children, and they also got to enjoy arts, crafts, food, drinks and music from a special reindeer band.

Crisp, by the way, is an old hand at serving as St. Nick. He has played that role for seven years on Christmas Eve and for four at the Christmas in July party.

In advance of the event, the hospital put out an appeal to the community for donations of gifts for the kids, and the community responded, said hospital spokeswoman Amy Gall. Items not given out at the party will be presented to child patients at the hospital throughout the year.

"Of course, we are always in need of donations, and this year we are in need of items for our teen patients more than usual - games, books, movies, gift cards, etc.," Gall said.

Donations to the children's hospital may be brought to the hospital lobby, 3001 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

For information about specific donation items or general questions, call the Child Life Department at (813) 554-8509. .

A staff report

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