Operation Good Cheer, an initiative of Child and Family Services of Michigan Inc., works with volunteer pilots to fly Christmas gifts to children in foster care in the state. But as its forty-first season approaches, the program is in need of more pilots to help ferry the presents on Dec. 1.
“Being a part of the airlift is a great way to introduce to communities across the state to general aviation and to help those in need,” said AOPA Great Lakes Regional Manager Bryan Budds, who will be participating in the event for the first time. “Please join AOPA and your fellow pilots in helping with this great program.”
Last year, the program had 230 flights, but was still short about 40 flights to deliver packages, Jerry Drew, Operation Good Cheer flight coordinator, said in a letter to volunteer pilots. More than 4,500 children were sponsored in 2011, with pilots flying gifts to 18 airports across the state.
To learn more about the program or to apply to ferry packages, visit the Child and Family Services of Michigan Inc. website. Flights will begin departing Oakland County International Airport in Pontiac at 8 a.m. on Dec. 1.
Alyssa J. Miller
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