By Tawnya Panizzi
TRIBUNE-REVIEW NEWS SERVICE
Thursday, December 17, 2009

Vietnam veteran Richard Taylor isn't asking for anything from Santa Claus this year, despite having the chance during a meeting with the jolly old soul on Friday at the H.J. Heinz Progressive Care Center in O'Hara.

"No, I've got my health back and I'm thankful for that," said Taylor, 62, who arrived six weeks ago at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System with a collapsed lung, wheelchair-bound and relying on oxygen to breathe.

Now he was able to sing a few Christmas carols with Santa, who visited the 26 residents of the VA hospice unit as part of the Santa's Gift program, started in 1996 by Jeff Comment, the late CEO of Helzberg Diamonds. The program's mission is largely the same as Santa's -- to bring joy and smiles during the holidays.

Typically, Santa and his elves park their sleigh at 28 hospitals across the country to visit sick children. The veterans center was the only adult facility chosen for the program this year.

"It's designed to bring a few minutes of relief to children and their family members during a time and in a place where it is needed most," said David Rifkind, of Philadelphia, also known as Santa's No. 1 Elf.

Each patient receives a photo of their moment with Santa and a brown teddy bear emblazoned with the words, "I Am Loved."

On Friday, the veterans also got a good bit of thanks as well. "I want to thank you for everything you've done for me and for everyone," Santa told Taylor.

He continued through the halls, handing out bears and thanking the residents for their service. Levi "Pappy" Williams, a Navy veteran of World War II, wouldn't divulge whether he was on the naughty or nice list, but he told Santa not to leave any coal for his nurses.

Army veteran Toni Barnett, despite battling throat cancer, was festive in her red sweat suit.

She wouldn't divulge her age to Santa, saying only "that I have my AARP card!"

Barnett said she'll miss singing in her church choir for the holiday services, but was most thankful that the veterans were not being forgotten during the Christmas season.

"It feels nice to be remembered," she said.

Mark Brant of Chicago, a General Electric employee who began volunteering with the group in 1997 and took over the reins two years ago, said he would like to see an even greater outpouring of support.

"We need to more openly recognize them and show them our appreciation," said Brant, in his 12th year donning the red suit and long, white beard.

VA recreation therapy supervisor David DiFuccia said he sees a spike in patients' morale following such visits. In December, there is a marked increase in visits from members of the VFW and American Legion, as well as the Boy Scouts and other community groups.

The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania will spread more holiday cheer on Friday, said spokeswoman Cristina Hohmeier.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Red Cross volunteers plan to deliver 700 comfort kits to veterans, Hohmeier said. Those kits will include a variety of toiletries and a bilingual gift card.

DiFuccia said such gestures are quite meaningful.

"With all the visits, we notice a big boost (in morale)," DiFuccia said.

Taylor, whom the nurses affectionately call "Mr. T," agreed. "There are a lot of guys here who can't even sit up their beds, so it means a lot," he said.