The Bismarck Fire Department offers gifts to patients at CHI St. Alexius Health for the holidays. It's the holiday season and what better way to spend it than with your family and friends.
But, some people won't be home, they will be spending their time in the hospital.
"He is 37 weeks and was born at 28 weeks. So, he was 2 pounds and 8 ounces when he was born," said Stephanie Abernatheuy, Bismarck Resident.
Abernatheuy, recently had her son, who was born premature. She will be spending the holidays in the NICU at CHI St. Alexius Health until he is cleared to come home in January.
"My husband is going to come down on Christmas eve, after he is done working with our other kid. We are going to spend Christmas eve with the baby. Then we will go back on Christmas day and open gifts with our other kids," said Abernatheuy. Which is why local officials are doing their part to make sure families are comfortable during these tough times. The Bismarck Fire Department handed out a total of 30 gifts at CHI St. Alexius hospital and they say it is to give joy and hope to families during the holiday season.
"We feel it is important just to give back to the community. Kids and families in the hospital at this time are having a difficult time of the season. So, we wanted to make sure we come in and put a smile on their face," said Luke Teagle, Captain of the Bismarck Fire Department.
The Bismarck Fire Department has been handing out gifts to CHI St. Alexius health for seven years. The toys were collected throughout many different business donations. As for Abernatheuy, the delivery of her son is the best Christmas gift she could ever ask for.
In total, the Bismarck Fire Department handed out 400 gifts to children throughout the Bis-man area at several locations.
KX News
Sonji Milburn Reporting