Santa Claus may be known for his sleigh and reindeer, but when he visits Long Beach, he swaps his winter gear for a yacht and some ocean breeze. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Santa made a grand entrance at Parkers’ Lighthouse, where he shared breakfast with young patients from MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach and local families, spreading holiday cheer. Jake Heflin, one of the Long Beach Fire Department’s public information officers, generously donated his time as Santa to help make this magical event possible.
Parkers’ Lighthouse hosted its 18th annual “Breakfast with Santa” event, dedicated to spreading festive fun to the Long Beach community while supporting children who are hospitalized during the holiday season. All proceeds from the event benefit the Cherese Mai Laulhere Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, helping to create joyful moments for young patients year-round. In addition, attendees were encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts to be distributed to children spending Christmas Day in the hospital.
“For the past 18 years, Parkers’ Lighthouse has made it possible for the Child Life team to sprinkle holiday magic throughout the hospital, especially on Christmas morning,” said Rita Goshert, director, Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. “We are so thrilled to attend Breakfast with Santa 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.”
At Breakfast with Santa, children eagerly shared their holiday wish lists with Santa, revealing their most desired gifts. Many children wished for Squishmallows, the soft, cuddly plush toys that bring comfort and joy. Other popular requests were for a Nintendo Switch, new boots for the snow, and Christmas pajamas for cozy mornings. Santa listened intently as each child shared their dreams, making the morning unforgettable.
“Our family had such a wonderful time at Breakfast with Santa today,” said Allison Dorsey, a local mom and physical therapist at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “It was so cool for the kids to see Santa sail into the harbor, and the whole experience of him visiting all the kids at breakfast was truly magical.”
The Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital was developed to help make the hospital experience a more positive one for children of all ages. Child Life Specialists help to cultivate an environment for patients and families that is fun, engaging and child friendly – especially during the holiday season. It’s through generous partnerships and gifts from the community that the Child Life Program can continue providing exciting events, toys and gifts to children to help make hospitalization easier.
