CHICAGO – United Airlines made the holidays a little brighter for many kids in need by giving them a “Fantasy Flight” to the North Pole.
For the twentieth year, United Airlines employees hosted Fantasy Flights to the North Pole for children facing illness or living in underserved communities. During these events – which kicked off at many airports this past weekend – children and their families board United flights for a special holiday experience. Upon arrival, the children entered an airport gate or hangar where United employees strung lights, set up Christmas trees and festively decorated to create a magical holiday destination. Children met Santa Claus and local celebrities, received gifts and played games for a day of fun.
Photo credit: United Airlines Media Relations
“For many of the children, it’s the first time they’ve been on an airplane. The magic of flight paired with the magic our volunteers create at airports truly makes for memorable experiences for everyone,” said Bill Watts, director of operations at Washington-Dulles and Fantasy Flight volunteer. “The holidays are a time for giving back, and I know I speak for my fellow United volunteers around our network when I say we are honored to make the kids’ holidays extra special.”
Photo credit: United Airlines Media Relations
Fantasy Flights are entirely volunteer-driven. United provides the aircraft and event location, while employees and retirees volunteer their time to raise money for gifts and fuel, bake cookies, prepare food, decorate gates and hangars, and even don holiday costumes. More than 1,500 employees volunteer each year.
Photo credit: United Airlines Media Relations
United hosts Fantasy Flights in all of its hub cities – Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, Newark, N.J., San Francisco and Washington, D.C. – as well as Boise, ID., Phoenix, San Antonio, Texas, and Sydney.
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