July 2009 Newsletter

In 2008 we served...
More than 4,871 recipients statewide (infants, children, teenagers, and adults with disabilities) affiliated with 45 agencies (private, nonprofit social service agencies & foster care, residential treatment, and group homes)

Through volunteer efforts of...
303 donor groups/organizations/individuals, 20 transport companies, 16 airports state wide, over 25 flights, & more than 300 volunteers at the departure airport on December 5th & 6th.

Please note: In 2008, we experienced the worst weather conditions for this program to date. Less than 30 flights were able to take off on Saturday, far less than the usual 140. But by modifying the predetermined delivery routes, and employing an arsenal of volunteers to perform caravan like deliveries in their own personal vehicles, all gifts were delivered to participating agencies in time for the holiday.

This entirely volunteer Christmas gift-giving program, sponsored and coordinated by Child & Family Services, Inc. State Office, began in 1971 by individuals who wanted to make a difference in the lives of children who reside in foster care. Recipients include infants, children, teenagers, and adults with disabilities. Over 4,000 children and youth are provided with gifts each year to open on Christmas morning and since 1971 more than 65,000 participants have had their Christmas wishes come true as a result of Operation Good Cheer volunteer efforts. Thousands of generous volunteers gather annually to participate in Operation Good Cheer. Donor groups and individuals purchase and wrap Christmas gifts from a child's "Wish List". At donor sites, these gifts are picked up and transported by volunteer trucking companies  and their drivers to a centrally located airport. Pilots and drivers with their aircraft and vehicles transport the gifts to local airports across Michigan. At each airport, agency volunteers gather the the gifts and deliver them to the children and youth in foster care. This impressive display of generosity provides thousands of youth, some of whom would not receive anything otherwise, with gifts and the joy of knowing there are people who care. For more information, or to participate in Operation Good Cheer, please contact our Program Coordinator.