Operation Good Cheer

09/25/2026

part 9

09/25/2026

part 8

09/25/2026

Yesterday during our volunteer committee meeting, Dean, a long time OGC champion suggested that we share more footage with you all. He specifically had in mind the time lapse videos that our amazing photographer Diana takes during the event.
Here is a video from a few years that will make every pilot rub their hands :), hopefully we get the same weather/sky for this year!

A huge thank you to all our volunteer pilots! We can't wait to see you this year!

09/24/2026

A few weeks ago our flight coordinator, Ethan, sent out an email stating that OGC was only 81 days away... He sent this email out 10 ago!! So, we are now 71 days away from Operation Good Cheer 2026! The countdown has really started!

09/23/2026

It was great to share about Operation Good Cheer at WLNS' 6 in the City. OGC is truly one of a kind!

Today’s 6 in the City segment features host Stephanie McCoy and guests Julie Thomasma, CEO of Child and Family Charities, and Emmanuel Boateng, Program Manager of Operation Good Cheer! Together, th…

07/27/2026

Operation Good Cheer has no time for caroling in December, what with more than 18,000 gifts to deliver to more than 6,000 kids in foster care in Michigan.

Besides, everyone we work with cares for kids in foster care all year round. Finding time on their calendars is nearly impossible.

So today, here's Operation Good Cheer caroling with Child and Family Charities and CASA for Kids, Inc. Barry, Eaton & Ingham Counties when we could finally find a spot on all of our calendars.

Sorry we were late!

Only 130 days until the Spirit of Good Cheer flight weekend!

Until then, remain festive.

05/19/2026

I spy Operation Good Cheer manager Emmanuel Boateng singing and dancing at work again...

04/24/2026

Operation Good Cheer runs on the power of volunteers—and Susan Drew is always thinking about how to grow that circle of care.

“Each year, I try to bring new people on board and to encourage them that even a little help goes a long way!”

Her dedication doesn’t stop at showing up—she inspires others to do the same.

“So, thank you Operation Good Cheer for having me! I am always looking forward to next year!”

Because when people come together like this, even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference.

Thank you to all of our 20,000 volunteers!!! We can't wait to make Christmas wishes come true with you again this year. You are all amazing!!!

04/24/2026

Operation Good Cheer runs on the power of volunteers—and for Susan Drew, it’s always been about the kids.

“I have continued to come back each year, helping in different areas as needed truly because of the kids. Many years ago, a child asked for a snow shovel, and we assumed it was for them to be able to make their own money and I was just in awe.”

Moments like that stay with you.

“These kids not only want for the holidays, they need too: clothing, education supplies, transportation and so much more. I knew this organization was a way for us to be able to help and it has given me much more than I feel I’ve given back.”

04/24/2026

Operation Good Cheer runs on the power of volunteers—and Susan Drew is one of the many who has shown up, year after year, with a heart for helping.

“I have been helping with Operation Good Cheer since it moved to Pontiac Airport… I have probably only taken a larger role around 25 years ago starting with parking the airplanes.”

From those early days to now, Susan has stepped in wherever she’s needed—quietly helping make something extraordinary happen for thousands of children.