Operation Blue Santa delivers to over 200 sick children

It may not Santa's sleigh but the presents onboard the Operation Blue Santa truck are just as special to the patients at Dell Children's Medical Center.

"It's just the ability to go in the room, meet with these boys and girls, hopefully bring a smile to their face as we deliver these presents and just spend a few minutes talking to them," Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said.

Olivia Kraft has been receiving care for a few days after suffering a serious asthma attack and the surprise visit from a few of Santa's special helpers was the perfect medicine.

"When I saw (the police officers) all I had in my mind was just wow," she said.

More than 200 children received gifts from Operation Blue Santa as well the siblings of those receiving treatment. Kindergartner Bailey Salinas received one of the best presents after nurses told her that she would be able to go home before Santa showed up at her chimney.

"It was nice to see because it was hard to explain to her yesterday that Santa would find her no matter where she was and I promised her that," Leslie Salinas, Bailey's mother, said.

Although most of the children will remain at Dell on Christmas Day, they are grateful that Santa and the community helped make them feel at home.

"I like how people are thinking of us in the hospital when we are all sick. And I am really thankful," Kraft said.