"Bedside" (From Left) John (patient), Clyde Davis Flotilla 51 Commander and John Snyder Division 5 Captain.

Here comes Santa Claus—and he sure did.

On Friday December 15, members of Flotilla 51, Youngstown, Ohio put smiles on the faces of many ill children at Tods Children’s Hospital in Youngstown. Gifts of all kinds were distributed all in an effort to make the children's holiday a little brighter by letting them know that "Good Ole St. Nick" hadn't forgotten them.

For three years, during their annual Flotilla membership gift exchange, Flotilla 51 Auxiliarists have been buying toys to exchange. They then gather those toys and bring them to the local "A Smile for a Child" program. They are donated to youngsters who might not otherwise receive a gift over the holidays.

"This is a great feeling for all as we go room to room and visit the children. The memory of seeing a child smiling makes the effort a great success. The parents are always very pleased and grateful. All of this makes the day well worth the Auxiliary effort," said one Auxiliarist.

"The Lobby" (From Left) Colleen Golhke, event chairman; Ray Calzo, Flotilla 51 Public Affairs Officer; John Snyder, Division 5 Captain; Clyde Davis Flotilla 51 Commander

A Thank you letter to the Flotilla from the parents of one of the children.

(Ed. Note: The names have been changed to respect the privacy of the family.)

I am looking for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary 51. My 4 year old son, John Smith, was at Tod Children's Hospital on Christmas Eve and admitted to the hospital and came home today, Christmas Day.

While we were at the hospital my son received the most wonderful surprises. John was so sad because he thought that Santa would not find him, and through the generosity of this (flotilla), my son was very happy and well entertained.

There were gift bags filled with crayons, coloring books, play dough and even a Viewmaster. As a mother I felt very bad for my son sick in a hospital bed for Christmas, but because of your caring and thoughtfulness a bad situation definitely had a wonderful and positive outcome.

"New Toy" (From Left) Ray Calzo Flotilla 51 Public Affairs Officer; Patient; Colleen Golhke event chairman.

My son received so much and I would love to thank you so much for all you did for a four year old with a broken heart at Christmas. John called everyone and told them everything he received and so many people had tears in their eyes.

They say that Christmas is for the children, and I have one very happy child. Please let me know where to send a Thank You card so that everyone who thought about these children will know that all their hard work was definitely appreciated by my family.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Youngstown, Ohio