On Tuesday, December 9, members of the reigning NBA Champion Boston Celtics stopped by Children's community health center, Martha Eliot, to hand out miniature basketballs and children's books. They also participated in a holiday sing along and art activities with patients. The players who visited were Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Eddie House, Leon Powe, Tony Allen, Sam Cassell, Michael Longabardi and head coach Doc Rivers.

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce with Martha Eliot patient Zakim Smith

Vince Wilfork, Children's CEO Dr. Jim Mandel, Matt Cassel, with Aida O'Hara and Champion's patient Isabella Shaw

New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel and Pro Bowl defensive lineman Vince Wilfork were recognized as "Champion Award" recipients, an annual honor bestowed on Boston athletes who exemplify outstanding commitment to the community and to Children's Hospital Boston. The event was co-chaired by Jeff Carney of Putnam Investments, Bob Coughlin of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, and Kristin Mugford of Bain Capital. ESPN's Chris Berman and WEEI's Glenn Ordway served as co-hosts for the evening.

Keith Lockhart and members of the Boston Pops filled the hospital with holiday music during an exclusive concert for Children's on December 15. The event featured Lockhart conducting alongside hospital patients as guest conductors, and the Boston Pops 2008 High School Sing-off Competition winnter Katie Mayhew leading patients in holiday caroling.

Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart sings with Children's patient Jose Pizarro

Shonda Schilling with Children's patient Reyna Stein

Shonda Schilling, wife of former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, and Santa's elves from Four Seasons Hotel Boston handed out teddy bears and holiday cheer to Children's Hospital Boston patients on December 22 as part of the hotel's annual Teddy Bear Tea fundraising campaign for children. Each year, the hotel distributes thousands of new teddy bears that are donated by families who participate in the holiday afternoon tea. The Four Seasons also displays a Wishing Well for donations to benefit Children's Hospital's Child Life Services Department.

Plimoth Plantation's 17th-century time-travelers, colonial pilgrim, Edward Winslow, and native Wampanoag, Hobbamock, visited Children's before Thanksgiving to meet patients in the 8 east activity room where a feast was prepared for families on the unit. The visit was donated to Children's anonymously through an eBay fundraising auction from Plimoth Plantation.

Hobbamock and Edward Winslow talk to a Children's patient