Colton police officers help Santa pass out presents at hospital

COLTON, Calif. (KABC) -- It's not often that Santa's elves wear badges and carry guns. But at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, there were indeed police officers helping Santa hand out gifts and bring smiles.

It's called Operation Holiday Giving, sponsored by the Colton Police Officer's Association. The goal is to pass out gifts to all the kids at the hospital.

"I'm always worried to be in the hospital, but at least they get a little bit happy with this," said Gustavo Rosales.

Five Colton police officers were in the hospital, on their own time, passing out gifts to kids.

"I think it's the neatest thing ever, I think it's part of what we do, on a daily basis we get to help people, and to come in on my off time, and put a smile on a kids face is heartwarming, and it's a blessing," said Officer Jason Hanna.

"It's fun to see her smile and get excited like that, we didn't even know Santa Claus was here, so it was really fun for her," said Heather Hadnot.