We are doing it again this year…Wed. December 19th

The lobby of Nemours Children’s Clinic in Jacksonville was brimming with smiling patients Wednesday, December 21st thanks to one of Santa’s favorite group of elves, The JT Townsend Foundation. J.T. himself was there to greet over 150 patients ranging in age from newborn to 18 years old. Each lucky child received a wrapped toy. They also received hugs from his elves and many even sat up on J.T.’s lap for a picture. (Visit our Gallery Page for more photos.)

One mother commented that her 6 year old girl, who can only get around in a motorized wheelchair, felt like “she fit right in” as she parked her chair right next to J.T.

Many of the children who stopped to receive a gift suffer from complicated health conditions, but they managed huge smiles when they peeked into their bags and found books, Slinky’s, Nerf footballs and much more.

J.T. told reporters he recalled the great feeling he had when visitors came to see him when he was in the hospital after his 2004 injury. “It lifts you up when you see that others care.”

Parents and children alike enjoyed the early Christmas surprise. But the biggest smile of all was the one on J.T. Townsend’s face.