'Tis the season of giving and many are looking for more ways to help those in need beyond donating clothes and food.

Even Santa is going above and beyond his normal duties and made an appearance at the South Bend Medical Foundation on Wednesday to donate platelets.

Fully clad in red jacket, hat, and white beard, Santa Claus helped out by giving the gift of life. The donation was not the first or the last for Mr. Claus, he has donated over 400 units of blood to the medical foundation.

Those at the foundation are truly thankful, especially during what they consider times of great need. Colleen Hahn works public relations at the South Bend Medical Foundation, and says Santa makes it a point to stop in around Christmas time every year.

“Everybody is worried about toys and families, and you know, there are families who have loved ones in the hospital who are in need of blood, so Santa is helping us out today,” said Hahn.

The foundation hopes more people come in and donate blood and platelets, but Santa says he donates simply because he wants to.