Generally speaking, it is not usually fun to be in the hospital, but Pilots for Kids hopes to spread joy this holiday season.

On the afternoon of Dec. 14 five local United Airline pilots from the national nonprofit organization, Pilots for Kids, visited children at Inova Loudoun Hospital. The pilots came dressed in uniform, handing out wings, presents and holiday cheer to patients in the pediatric ward and pediatric emergency department.

Registered Nurse and Director of Pediatrics Sonya Sterbutzel said the experience has a long-term effect on the children.

“It is actually one of those things that really creates a memory and when they think about the hospital years later they remember that,” said Sterbutzel.

This is the fourth year that the pilots have visited Inova Loudoun Hospital. They will also be visiting hospitals in Fairfax and Georgetown over the coming week.

Pilot Julie Callens returns every year because she enjoys the experience.

“I like to give back. I like to see the smiles on the kids’ faces," Callens said. "I know a lot of them are here for a long time and every once in a while you can inspire someone with the bug of aviation."

Over the years the pilots have learned to plan ahead, bringing gifts appropriate for children from one week to 18 years, as the pediatric centers serve a wide range of ages. Parents will often choose plush toys for newborns, while teenagers can choose from iTunes gift cards, board games or model builders. For future pilots there are also United Airlines themed toys.

Wednesday's visit made one young woman’s day in the pediatric department.

“They’re very perky and they’re attitudes are very cheerful,” said 18-year-old Shannon Wisniewski. “I enjoyed their presence, so I’m sure anyone younger would as well.”

All presents were purchased with donations from United Airline pilots, except for Pillow Pets. The plush toy company donated $2000 worth of their inventory to the Pilots for Kids Organization.

As there were more presents than there were children at the hospital, the pediatric department is keeping the remainder of the toys to hand to pediatric patients throughout the holiday season, or until they are all given away.