Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/12/2011 -- Santa, Mrs. Claus and members of the United States Marines arrived at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) in style by way of helicopter on Wednesday, December 7, 2011. After landing the helicopter on the hospital’s rooftop Helipad and being greeted by TSRHC patients, the group met up with Frosty the Snowman and several Elves to spread holiday cheer and deliver toys to patients.

The visit is an annual event at TSRHC, made possible by Santa USA, Bell Helicopter and Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. This year, Bell Helicopter donated the helicopter flight to transport the Santa USA crew and the Marines from the Toys for Tots Foundation to TSRHC.

About Santa USA
Santa USA began in the mid-1970s as a personal project of a single individual. He was determined to bring happiness, goodwill and holiday spirit to the children of our community. His dedication was noticed by many goodhearted neighbors, and as their interest grew, these good people began to contribute their time and money. For several days in mid-December, Santa travels by helicopter to visit elementary schools in many areas as well as nursing homes and hospitals.

About TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, such as scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm, clubfoot http://www.tsrhc.org/clubfoot-foot-disorders.htm, hip dysplasia http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dyslasia-perthes.htm, hand disorders http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm, and Legg-Perthes http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dysplasia-legg-perthes.htm, and certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org/.