Toronto Maple Leaf brass, former players, and the Canadian military teamed up Thursday to deliver presents and smiles to children spending the holidays at Sick Kids hospital as part of Operation Ho Ho Ho.

A Griffin military helicopter landed on top of the building Thursday morning and out popped military men and women that traded fatigues for green and red elf attire, ready to hand out toys for kids staying at the hospital.

Toronto Maple Leaf GM, MLSE President Tom Anselmi, and former Leaf captains Wendel Clark and Darryl Sittler signed autographs, posed for pictures, and handed out Leaf swag to kids and parents that they say can sometimes use the boost.

"To give them a moment to take their mind off of what they are going through, to brighten them up and see them smile or to make their mom and dad or brothers and sisters see a smile on their face makes them happy too so it's wonderful," says Sittler.

Parents say events like these make a difference, if only simply by altering their routine.