The holidays were extra special for the children at PATCHES (Pediatric Alternative Treatment Care, Housing, and Evaluation Services) located in Homestead. 1st National Bank of South Florida employees visited the week before Christmas and brought gifts for all the children receiving care at PATCHES. This has become a wonderful tradition for the bank, ever since the facility opened its doors in 2005.

Each gift was hand selected in accordance with the individual child’s likes, functioning level and abilities. The toys were gift wrapped and personally presented to each child by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

PATCHES is a not-for-profit organization founded by five medical professional women. They strive to make a difference in the lives of medically complex children and their families every day as child advocates, providing compassionate health care, and creating an environment that fosters growth and development. For more information about PATCHES and their work with the special children in our community, please go to http:// www.patchesppec.org.