Police officers and firefighters escorted Santa Claus to visit an 8-year-old boy in Antioch who is battling several medical issues after the child missed his annual Santa visit while in the hospital.
Friends, neighbors and the Antioch police and fire departments on Friday helped make Christmas come early for the boy.
Joey was born with a congenital heart defect and has been facing several other medical issues, officials said. A recent health challenge required knee surgery.
The boy was recently in the hospital and missed his annual visit with Santa at The Penny’s Purpose NFP.
April Soulak-Andrews, president and founder of The Penny’s Purpose NFP, made a few phone calls and was able to arrange to have Santa Claus make an early visit from the North Pole.
Santa was escorted by members of the Antioch Police Department and the Antioch Fire Department.
“Joey, we hope you recover quickly and successfully from your surgery,” the police department said.
“We hope today helped make this Christmas a little more special for you and your family. Merry Christmas!” the department added.