Michigan’s Operation Good Cheer - Collecting & Distributing Gifts

Waterford, Mich. – Pentastar Aviation will once again host the gift collection and distribution for Child and Family Services of Michigan’s Operation Good Cheer.  In addition to hosting, Pentastar Aviation will also sponsor 60 children.  Last year, more than 4,500 individuals received gifts through the program, which is now in its 42nd year.

Pentastar Aviation’s Involvement in Operation Good Cheer

Gifts that are dropped off at Pentastar Aviation are sorted and then loaded onto trucks, aircraft and other vehicles to be distributed to Michigan children in private, nonprofit social service agencies & foster care, residential treatment or group homes.

In 2012, 16 transport companies, 266 donors (organizations and individuals) and hundreds of pilots and volunteers ensured gifts were delivered to 18 airports and ground destinations state-wide.

“Operation Good Cheer is exciting for everyone at Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc.; however, it is the involvement of Pentastar Aviation, all of the donors and hundreds of volunteers & pilots who make the event special at this time of year,” said Administrative Assistant Sherry Brackenwagen.

About Operation Good Cheer

This entirely volunteer Christmas gift-giving program, sponsored and coordinated by Child and Family Services, Inc. State Office, was started 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. More than 4,000 children and youth are provided with gifts each year to open on Christmas morning and since 1971 more than 73,000 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 volunteer their aircraft and vehicles to transport the gifts to local airports across Michigan. At each airport, agency volunteers gather 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. www.cfsm.org

CONTACT:

All media inquiries should be directed to Danielle Tanner, Pentastar Aviation at 248.666.8221.

About Pentastar Aviation

For 50 years, Pentastar Aviation has been a leader in the world of business aviation. Pentastar Aviation provides award-winning FBO services, aircraft maintenance, aircraft management services, aviation advisors, avionics design/installation/repair, and custom aircraft interiors.  Pentastar Aviation Charter, Inc. provides aircraft charter services and direct air carrier services for helicopter emergency medical services and air ambulance operations.  Pentastar Aviation’s repair stations at Oakland International (KPTK) and Oxford (OXC) airports are among the most expansive and well-equipped facilities in the nation.  Pentastar Aviation is a proud provider of Avfuel branded fuels. Pentastar Aviation supports many charities and aviation-based education initiatives including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Operation Good Cheer, Sky Hope Network, EAA Young Eagles and local Aviation Day programming.