Members of the Des Plaines Fire Department recently joined numerous volunteers, Mayor Martin J. Moylan, Operation North Pole (ONP) President Barb Dabler and ONP Treasurer, Tim Crossin as they took part in a special “Polar Express” ride to the North Pole.
With the help of the many volunteers, ONP provided a day of holiday fun for critically ill children and their families – one day where they did not have to worry about sickness, hospitals, doctors, and treatments.
Twenty-eight families took part in the day’s activities which began with a buffet breakfast with Ronald McDonald and Mrs. Claus at the Des Plaines headquarters of the Illinois Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, followed by a bus ride to downtown Des Plaines where participants, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s helpers boarded the “Polar Express” (specially-decorated METRA train) en route to “the North Pole.” During the train ride to Harvard and back (during which time the union hall was transformed into the “North Pole), families enjoyed hot cocoa and McDonald’s Happy Meals, sang songs, played games and waved to the fire departments and members of the public that were at each train stop to cheer on the families and direct the train to the “North Pole.”
Once back in Des Plaines, they were greeted by Santa, “North Pole” Mayor Martin J. Moylan and Des Plaines firefighters. A police car and fire engine escort led the families back to the North Pole for more festive activities, including magicians, interaction with storybook characters, cookie making, a sundae bar, nail painting, face painting and much more, with the highlight being each family’s personal visit with Santa, who provided mounds of presents.
Operation North Pole, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) public charity whose mission is to provide a December holiday fantasy free of worry for area children who deal with life-threatening medical conditions and their families. For additional information on ONP, call 847-813-5387, e-mail at barb.dabler@gmail.com, or visit the Operation North Pole website.
Happy Holidays to all of our friends at Lexington Park and Lexington Station!!
