Pediatric patients in Loma Linda got into the holiday spirit on Monday by kicking off December with gingerbread houses and the help of local firefighters.
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital teamed up with the Loma Linda Fire Department to host a gingerbread house-making party for patients at the medical center. With icing in hand and firefighters there to help hold the sweet concoctions in place, patients decorated their own gingerbread houses to their liking.
The holiday-themed event was held on the lobby-level of the hospital to spread jolly cheer to patients. Those who were unable to head downstairs for the occasion were still able to participate in the fun by getting gingerbread house kits delivered to their bedside.
“It means a lot to us because she’s able to get out of the room and kind of do something that’s like we’ll do at home,” said Brandia Lewis, whose daughter is a patient at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. “We do it every year, so it’s important to her. We’ve been here for 46 days, so it’s very important to get out the room and do something that she’s used to doing.”
After the young artists completed their masterpieces, they were able to show off their work. The hospital placed all of the sugary artwork together to create a gingerbread village, which will be on display through the holiday season.