ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — St. Paul police are taking extra precautions to make sure Santa delivers gifts to children who will be hospitalized over the holidays.

On Thursday, the St. Paul Police Department is providing a motorcade to escort Santa and Mrs. Claus to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. A State Patrol helicopter is also joining the procession from the sky.

Police Chief Tom Smith will also join in the procession — and he’ll be one of Santa’s helpers at the hospital.

Santa and his wife will deliver the gifts to patients at Children’s Hospital and at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

The event is part of St. Paul’s Cops and Kids program. Officer Theresa Spencer says every year the children’s eyes are filled with joy when Santa arrives with flashing lights and sirens.

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