Oh, what a day yesterday! It was a long time in coming and lots to do. While I was in school, both of my elves were working hard getting all the toys, books, and games into the 50 bags I delivered to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
Rental van full of gift bags
When it came time to load everything in the sleigh (aka my dad’s car), it didn’t all fit. So mama elf jumped on the phone and called Enterprise Rent-a-Car. They weren’t able to donate the use of a van but were nice enough to give us a discount. Even with that, it was still full by the time we got the 50 individual bags for the kids and the six extra large bags filled with toys and games for the community playroom at the hospital.
I had a short day at school so by lunch, we were off to San Diego. When we got there, a camera woman from the local NBC station was waiting for me. Since I was invited to be on the 4:30pm news, they wanted to film a few minutes of me with all the toys.
Oops, I blinked!
The people at Rady are so grateful that I’ve chosen them to support with my donations that the coordinator, Shelley Borree, presented me with an Appreciation Certificate. I was really surprised but I can’t take all the credit. There were many people who were generous and donated their own products to help with this project. They are all listed on my website so please take a look.
I didn’t have a chance to meet the kids in the hospital this time but I really hope my gift bags help them have a nice holiday season and maybe make their time in the hospital not quite so bad.
After we unloaded everything from the van, we had a little time until I was supposed to be at the TV station. We walked around the 5-story mall they have downtown near the studio and got lost many times since it was so big. Right across the street and next to the studio was an ice rink which was cool! Literally! 
Finally it was time to check it with the news producer. I was a little nervous since it was the first time on live TV but it went very well and amazingly enough, a 3-minute interview goes by pretty fast even if you’re nervous.
A HUGE thank you again to everyone who donated to help make Christmas in the hospital a bit more enjoyable for a lot of kids this year.
