UConn Health

December 19, 2013 | Carolyn Pennington - Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine

Santa Arrives Early in NICU

Connecticut state troopers delivered dozens of toys Wednesday to siblings of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Health Center.

Connecticut state troopers delivered dozens of toys Wednesday to siblings of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Health Center on December 18, 2013. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo)

Connecticut state troopers delivered dozens of toys Wednesday to siblings of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Health Center on December 18, 2013. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo)

Connecticut state troopers delivered dozens of toys Wednesday to siblings of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Health Center on December 18, 2013. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo)
Connecticut state troopers delivered dozens of toys Wednesday to siblings of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Health Center. Nurses, left to right: Donna Douyard (in blue in front), ShellyAnn Hope, Sue McDermott, Renee Addy, Tina Nelson, Donna Commendatore, Ana Maiorino, and Crystal Buckley. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo)

Connecticut state troopers took on the role of Santa again this year by delivering dozens of toys to the siblings of babies in the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the UConn Health Center.

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Jennifer Rodriguez, whose son Koda is one of 19 babies currently in the NICU, is thrilled to be able to bring presents to his older siblings. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Center Photo)

Jennifer Rodriguez’s son Koda is one of 19 babies currently in the NICU. Koda was born Aug. 28, weighing only 1 pound 8 ounces. His original due date was Christmas Eve. He now weighs 5 pounds 6 ounces and his mother is looking forward to taking him home to meet his siblings. Rodriguez also has a 2-year-old-child and three step children.

Rodriguez, who lives in Sharon, was thrilled to receive the toys from the troopers. “It means I’ll be able to do a little less Christmas shopping. With all the running around we’re doing and the back and forth to the hospital, this is just wonderful.”

During the holiday season, the Connecticut State Police hold toy collection events throughout the state. The troopers then personally deliver the toys, games, and stuffed animals to the NICUs in Connecticut.

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