Today, more than 50 families will be whisked away on a magical ride to the North Pole.
If it sounds far-fetched, it is. The Christmas-clad aircraft never actually leaves the ground. But for the terminally-ill children on board, that doesn’t matter.
“For one day, no one is sick,” said Tim Crossin, treasurer of Operation North Pole, which fundraises money to buy gifts and arranges the flight for the children with long-term illnesses every December. “Everybody’s the same.”
Every year, the Des Plaines-based non profit works with six area hospitals, O’Hare Airport, United Airlines and dozens of community volunteers for the special day. Through fundraisers like concerts, a silent auction, donations and candy sales, the group raised more than $80,000 for the gifts.
This year, 58 families were invited to the event and about 130 children, including siblings, will receive a sack of presents, ranging from dollhouses to bikes to clothes. Some children had even asked for beds, but since that’s too big to transport, they’ll’ receive gift certificates to buy the furniture, said Barb Dabler, the organization’s president. The donated presents are often the only ones the kids receive during the holidays because their parents are strapped from medical bills, Dabler added.
In preparation for the big event, more than 50 people wrapped presents Thursday inside Operation North Pole’s headquarters. Hundreds of rolls of snowmen-clad wrapping paper, spools of tape and dozens of scissors lay strewn across tables. Many of the volunteers came from the Des Plaines fire department, where firefighters brought their families to help.
“It is like they get to the North Pole,” said firefighter Cully Butenschoen, adding the local fire union 4211 is also donating t-shirts and backpacks stuffed with presents.
Patty Mcanally said taking part in the gift-wrapping event held a special meaning. Her niece’s son is one of the children invited to Saturday’s event. Recently, the two-year-old was diagnosed with a kidney-disease, she said.
“I don’t think they know how elaborate it is,” Mcanally said, as she taped up a box. “I can’t even tell you how much it matters to the family. I can hardly sleep, I’m so excited.”
The airport is turned into a winter wonderland, organizers said, with carolers, decorations, sleigh rides and Santa. Firefighters escort the children through security and to the gate, before the big plane ride. Flight attendants and pilots help make the fantasy flight real, as they make announcements and keep window shades down.
Afterward, families are treated to a luncheon and take the presents home.
“I think the best part is the look on the parents faces when they see the gifts,” said volunteer Jean Doughty. “The parents are tired. Really what you see is a big relief.”
jmdelgado@tribune.com
