Mega Doctor News
For the second year in a row, the Texas DPS Troopers Foundation helped spread holiday cheer to hospitalized patients at STHS Children’s during meet & greet with Trooper Santa.
Having to spend time in the hospital during the holiday season can be markedly difficult for kids, resulting in withdrawal, gloom and resentment, especially if they have to miss the festivities and fun at home and school.
To help combat loneliness, reduce anxiety and restore a sense of normalcy and hope to the young patients at South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s this holiday season, the facility partnered with the Texas DPS Troopers Foundation to welcome Trooper Santa for the second consecutive year.
Check out the Gallery Below for more images of Tropper Santa’s Visit. All images courtesy of STHS:
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, dozens of pediatric patients at STHS Children’s had the chance to interact withTrooper Santa, a former Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper who leads a region-wide initiative tocollect and distribute new and unwrapped toys to children in need across South Texas, including those hospitalized at STHS Children’s.
“Trooper Santa’s special visit to STHS Children’s is about more than spreading holiday cheer to the young patients in the facility’s care; it’s about providing them a vital distraction from their treatments and illness, a way to offer hope and create positive memories that they’ll carry with them long after their hospital stay,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “For the second year in a row, Trooper Santa has provided our pediatric patients a moment of joy, wonder and play that helped turn their worry into happiness during a challenging time in their young lives.”
During his special visit, which took place in the STHS Children’s third floor pediatric playroom, Trooper Santa distributed presents, participated in a special coloring activity and took photos with patients and their family members.
For those patients confined to their rooms due to doctor’s orders, Trooper Santa went room to room to ensure they didn’t miss the excitement.
It’s all part of the Troopers, Toys & Teddy Bears Toy Donation Drive hosted by Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association, the Texas DPS Troopers Foundation, STHS and Divine Pharmacy. Through donations received from kind-hearted community members, the program benefits underprivileged and hospitalized children across South Texas, including those in the Rio Grande Valley.
If you’d like to help Trooper Santa spread holiday cheer this Christmas, you’re invited to take part in the drive. Now through Friday, December 21, 2025, toys valued at a $5 minimum can be dropped off in the donation boxes placed near the registration/security desks at the main entrances at all STHS locations.
