Santa visits young patients at Albany Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

ALBANY — Young patients got a holiday surprise on Friday when jolly ol’ St. Nick made the rounds at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, accompanied by a police escort.

The visit got its start with members of a Cub Scout pack, who figured kids who were patients deserved a little cheering up at Christmas.

“The Scouts wanted to give something to the community by doing something special for Christmas this year,” said Michael Tabarrok, assistant district attorney for Dougherty County and Cubmaster of Pack 64 in Albany. “They took a vote among themselves and decided to donate gifts to the children at Phoebe.

“No parents or adults influenced their decision.”

To carry out the mission of the Cubs, Tabarrok suggested to the Albany Police Department that they might provide a proper escort for Santa to deliver the special gifts.

“It’s a wonderful time of the year, and especially wonderful we get to provide some cheer for those who are sick and unable to enjoy the holidays at home,” police Detective Gregory Batson said.

Child Life Specialist Mandy Lanier said Santa would deliver Friday’s presents room by room to the 10 young patients in the pediatric ward. Patients arriving between then and Christmas would receive the gifts from hospital personnel, Lanier said.

According to Lanier, Phoebe pediatric patients are typically suffering from relatively minor illnesses or injures, while more serious cases are transferred to nearby children’s specialty facilities.