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CHARLOTTE, N.C. Santa Claus came to town early this year. But instead of donning a sleigh and reindeer, the man in the red and white suit visited Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital in a fire truck.

Elves and firefighters were guests at Friday's "Christmas in June:" a party for Hemby patients sponsored by the Firefighters' Burned Children Fund (FFBCF). Blaze, the Charlotte Fire Department's friendly firefighting Dalmatian mascot, also made an appearance.

Wrapped gifts, Christmas crafts and cupcakes were part of the festivities held at Hemby Children's Hospital's outdoor playground. Patients who were feeling well enough were able to have their picture taken on a Charlotte Fire Department fire truck, which was parked in front of the hospital.

In addition to spreading Christmas cheer, local firefighters dressed in full gear taught young patients the basics in fire safety. Lessons such as "stop, drop and roll" were incorporated into the party to further the mission of the Firefighters' Burned Children Fund prevention of child burn injuries through fire safety awareness programs.

According to the Charlotte chapter of FFBCF, burn injuries are the second leading cause of accidental death for children ages one to four and the third leading cause of death for children under 19. The Firefighters' Burned Children Fund is a nonprofit organization that raises money to support child burn survivors and raise awareness for fire safety among children.