{"id":93081,"date":"2025-12-13T08:06:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T08:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/93081\/"},"modified":"2025-12-13T08:06:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T08:06:39","slug":"long-beach-childrens-hospital-brings-holiday-cheer-to-patients-families-press-telegram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/93081\/","title":{"rendered":"Long Beach children\u2019s hospital brings holiday cheer to patients, families \u2013 Press Telegram"},"content":{"rendered":"

The magic of the holiday season arrived early for you patients and their families at MemoricalCare Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital in Long Beach.<\/p>\n

Children received gifts, wore festive attire and had an opportunity to meet Santa during two annual traditions that the hospital celebrates \u2013 \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d and \u201cBreakfast with Santa.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program<\/a> at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital has hosted \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d for more than 25 years, officials said. The hospital transforms its auditorium into a holiday wonderland, giving kids the chance to experience yuletide joy when being home for the holidays isn\u2019t possible.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s event took place on Friday, Dec. 5, with patients and their families stepping into a festive wonderland created by Turner Construction, which has sponsored the event for the past 18 years, and dozens of local community organizations and hospital departments. Each booth featured themed activity stations, interactive games, books, gifts and many more surprises.<\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

Santa Claus handed out gifts and posed for pictures with young patients and their families at the annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Parents<\/p>\n

Parents posed their children for pictures at the annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Aquarium of the Pacific was among the local organizations part of this year\u2019s annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Farmers<\/p>\n

Farmers & Merchants Bank was among the local organizations part of this year\u2019s annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Volunteers handed out teddy bears to the hospitalized children, bringing a smile to their faces. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A Friend in Me, a volunteer-run nonprofit with the goal of providing comfort and joy through fun social events and activities for pediatric patients at hospitals, was one of the local organizations part of this year\u2019s annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Hospitalized<\/p>\n

Hospitalized children and their families enjoyed a morning of holiday cheer, activities and gifts at this year\u2019s annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"\u00e2\u0080\u009cSanta\u00e2\u0080\u0099s<\/p>\n

\u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d is an annual event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital that gives kids the chance to experience the magic of Christmas when being home for the holidays isn\u2019t possible. This year\u2019s event took place on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

Santa Claus handed out gifts and posed for pictures with young patients and their families at the annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

Santa Claus handed out gifts and posed for pictures with young patients and their families at the annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital brought holiday cheer, activities and gifts for young patients and their families on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"As<\/p>\n

As children and their families walked into \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital, they were greeted by Marvel superheroes \u2013 including Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"As<\/p>\n

As children and their families walked into \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital, they were greeted by Marvel superheroes \u2013 including Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

Santa Claus handed out gifts and posed for pictures with young patients and their families at the annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 13<\/p>\n

Santa Claus handed out gifts and posed for pictures with young patients and their families at the annual \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d event at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

From decorating cookies to writing letters to Santa, every moment was designed to spark joy and provide a sense of normalcy during a challenging time for children, officials said. Santa also made an appearance to greet each child and hand out gifts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an amazing event because all of our kids who have to be in the hospital this time of year, it\u2019s difficult to be in the hospital any time of the year, but especially now during the holidays,\u201d Rita Goshert, director of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, said in a Friday interview. \u201cWe try to bring a little bit of that (holiday spirit) here to the pediatric patients and their families. Usually, they are shocked when they walk into the room and see all of the decor, and it really brings a smile to their faces and brightens their day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Events like \u201cSanta\u2019s Workshop\u201d not only support patients\u2019 emotional well-being but also create cherished memories that extend beyond the hospital room, officials said.<\/p>\n

The next day, Santa joined Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital for another event along Long Beach\u2019s waterfront.<\/p>\n

Santa traded snow for sunshine and made a grand coastal arrival at Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse, stepping off his yacht to greet local families and children receiving care at the hospital.<\/p>\n

For more than two decades, the waterfront restaurant in Shoreline Village has hosted \u201cBreakfast with Santa,\u201d an event dedicated to spreading festive fun to the Long Beach community while supporting children who are hospitalized during the holiday season, according to a press release.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A little girl beams with joy while spending time with Santa during the annual \u201cBreakfast with Santa\u201d event hosted by Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse for young patients and their families at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital)\n<\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

Santa made a grand coastal arrival at Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse, stepping off his yacht to greet Millie the Dolphin, mascot of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital, while holiday excitement builds with eager children waiting nearby on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital)\n<\/p>\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Young patients at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital spend time with Santa during the \u201cBreakfast with Santa\u201d event hosted by Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital)\n<\/p>\n

\"\u201cBreakfast<\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast with Santa,\u201d hosted annually by Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse, celebrated nearly two decades of holiday magic this year. Restaurant staff proudly received the Honorary Friend of Child Life Award for hosting the event for families of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital and the local community on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A local family gathers for a holiday photo with Santa during the \u201cBreakfast with Santa\u201d event hosted by Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse for young patients and families of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital)\n<\/p>\n

\"Holiday<\/p>\n

Holiday cheer at \u201cBreakfast with Santa\u201d hosted by Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. A little girl spent time with Santa and Millie the Dolphin, the mascot of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital)\n<\/p>\n

\"Santa<\/p>\n

Santa spreads holiday cheer at \u201cBreakfast with Santa\u201d hosted by Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse for young patients at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Santa was surrounded by kids in festive sweaters and Santa hats. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 7<\/p>\n

A little girl beams with joy while spending time with Santa during the annual \u201cBreakfast with Santa\u201d event hosted by Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse for young patients and their families at Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children\u2019s & Women\u2019s Hospital)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Santa shared breakfast with young patients and local families, with help from Long Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Jake Heflin.<\/p>\n

Children eagerly shared their holiday wish lists with Santa, revealing their most desired gifts. Many children wished for Squishmallows \u2013 the soft, plush toys \u2013 and Lego sets were also high on the list, along with craft kits for making jewelry and personalized creations, and immersive gadgets such as kid-friendly virtual reality headsets.<\/p>\n

The event also serves as a fundraiser to benefit the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, which was developed to help make the hospital experience a more positive one for children of all ages. Child life specialists help cultivate an environment for patients and families that is fun, engaging and child-friendly \u2013 especially during the holiday season.<\/p>\n

Attendees were also encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts to be distributed to children spending Christmas Day in the hospital, officials said.<\/p>\n

After Santa met with each child, Goshert presented Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse with the Honorary Friend of Child Life Award in recognition of its generosity and dedication to hosting \u201cBreakfast with Santa.\u201d This annual recognition is presented to individuals and organizations that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing the lives of hospitalized children, according to a press release.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor over two decades, Parkers\u2019 Lighthouse has made it possible for the Child Life team to sprinkle holiday magic throughout the hospital, especially on Christmas morning,\u201d Goshert said in a statement. \u201cWe are so thrilled to attend \u2018Breakfast with Santa\u2019 every year because it not only enhances the well-being and happiness of children undergoing hospital care, but it also uplifts the spirits of the entire community.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The magic of the holiday season arrived early for you patients and their families at MemoricalCare Miller Children\u2019s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":93082,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[7,3782,3739,131,133,132,137,3738],"class_list":{"0":"post-93081","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-long-beach","8":"tag-california","9":"tag-grunion-kindness","10":"tag-grunion-news","11":"tag-long-beach","12":"tag-long-beach-headlines","13":"tag-long-beach-news","14":"tag-los-angeles-county","15":"tag-the-grunion"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=93081"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93081\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/93082"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=93081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=93081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=93081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}