WPBN: An endearing program called Operation Good Cheer is significantly improving the lives of underprivileged children across Michigan this Christmas season.
Child and Family Charities organized the event, which has brought together hundreds of pilots and volunteers to distribute more than 20,000 gifts to 6,700 children throughout the state.
Preparations for Saturday’s big day were under way at Oakland County International Airport on Friday. Trucks were unloading gifts, ready to be given out.
On Saturday, volunteers—including pilots who gave their time, planes, and fuel—will unite to make sure that these presents reach the kids who might not otherwise receive them this Christmas.
A committed volunteer named Susan Drew thanked the community for their tremendous support.
“We have hundreds of volunteers today, hundreds of volunteers tomorrow. Everyone is just donating their time to be here,” she stated.
Ever since she was five years old, Drew has been volunteering.
“All these donors fulfill the list, and then all these kids get a magical Christmas. It warms my heart,” Drew stated.
Former volunteer pilot Ethan Samuel talked about his experiences flying presents for Operation Good Cheer.
“There are pilots that will fly up to Marquette, Traverse City, West Branch, all over the entire state,” Samuel stated.
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With planes arriving every five minutes to take up their assignments, he said the operation’s logistics were amazing. To make sure everything went perfectly for the impending deliveries, Santa Claus himself was at the airport.
The occasion is made even more memorable by the gifts, which are customized to fit children’s Christmas wish lists.
The volunteers and pilots of Operation Good Cheer are committed to their goal of bringing holiday cheer to underprivileged families around Michigan as they get ready to take to the skies on Saturday morning.
