Dozens of kids cheered on a festively decked-out plane in Denver when the pilot announced their destination for the day: the North Pole. More than 100 children, some of whom have serious health issues, were then taken on a roughly 45-minute flight near the city over the weekend before landing back at Denver International Airport and being towed to a hangar transformed by United Airlines employees and volunteers into the North Pole, reports the AP.
Before landing, the children were asked to close their window shades. When they opened them, the kids were met by the sight of a waiting Santa and Mrs. Claus and a host of elves. An ice cream truck was on hand, and the children received gifts. Bryce Bosley, 6, was tickled to see Santa and all the North Pole had to offer. "The North Pole is fun because there's games, food, and all the activities are really fun," he said. United Capt. Bob Zimmermann, the holiday flight's pilot, was struck by the joy and wonder of the youngsters. "Throughout the year I'll think of the fantasy flight," he said. "When life seems to get tough or I want to complain about something, I remember these kids and the joy and the love and what this feels like, and it just keeps my life in perspective."
United partnered with Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children's Hospital Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association to invite Denver-area kids ages 3 to 10 on the flight. For more than 30 years, United has staged its annual "fantasy flights" to fictional North Poles at airports around the world to bring holiday cheer to children and their families. Jonna McGrath, United's VP for operations at its Denver hub, has participated in 29 flights and said it's one of her favorite days of the year. "It gives them a day where they are away from some of the challenges they face in their day-to-day life," said McGrath, who was dressed as an elf. "Bringing a little magic and some gifts to their holiday season is something they'll never forget."
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