Santa visits Freeman Joplin NICU

JOPLIN, Mo. — Another year brought a special visitor today to the NICU at Freeman Health System: Santa.

Spencer Ellis, a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, stopped by the facility to take pictures with the babies and create happy memories for families going through a difficult time.

This tradition is close to "Santa Spence's" heart, as both of his daughters are NICU nurses.

"I've had a heart for the families that are working through getting their babies into early recovery, and starting life. And I just think it's a wonderful opportunity to be able to come help them and just kind of enjoy a few moments that might be more stressful," said Spencer Ellis, International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas.

"Santa Spence" says everyone can be a Santa. It’s not about the beard, but about helping folks in any way you can.