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The former US president surprised Children's National hospital in Washington on Wednesday, bearing gifts and spreading cheer among staff and young patients, Metro reports.
After singing Christmas carols with hundreds of doctors, nurses and care workers, the 57-year-old visited each bed and had a chat with the little ones, NDTV reports.
Speaking to staff, Obama said, “I just want to say thank you to all of you guys, we had a chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families.
"As the dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them, and looking after them . . . that's the most important thing there is,” he added.
Some of the presents the former head of state handed out were Hot Wheels sets, remote-control cars and glittery nail polish.
In an interview with Washington Post, Kurt Newman, president of the Children’s National Health System, said: “At such a busy time of year, when no one wants to be in the hospital, his natural warmth lifted the spirits of those kids, their parents and of each staff member he met along the way.”
“I know they’ll be talking about it for years to come,” he added.
Sources: Metro, NDTV, Washington Post
