Santa Makes a Special Stop

Christmas is a magical time for children. That doesn’t stop just because you’re in the hospital.

On Thursday, Bill Turney and Santa's Hospital Helpers made their 21st annual visit to OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois.

Turney and Santa’s Hospital Helpers raise money and collect toys throughout the year that are then handed out to Children’s Hospital patients.

Turney’s children and a team of elves help him carry on the Santa’s Hospital Helpers mission each year.

“The thought of a young patient feeling a bit of Christmas joy on any day of the year by receiving one of Santa’s Hospital Helpers gifts brings me delight and honors my third son, who passed away when he was only 17 months old. I am just a regular guy who wants to make a difference in a child’s life,” says Turney.

Collecting these gifts has turned into a way of life for Turney. Santa Bill and his team will start collecting for next year's donation the day after Christmas.