Hundreds of volunteers gathered at Oakland County International Airport to sort and pack nearly 19,000 personalized gifts for children in foster care across Michigan as part of Operation Good Cheer, a massive holiday effort that ensures every child feels remembered this season.
Watch Meghan Daniels’ video report:
Volunteers pack gifts for Michigan foster children at Oakland County airport
About 800 volunteers showed up for the event, packing, sorting and loading gifts that will be flown to 32 airports and driven by truck to another 17 locations throughout the state. The operation relies on hundreds of volunteers and dozens of pilots to deliver Christmas joy to thousands of Michigan children.
“Growing up, one of my favorite memories was having presents under the Christmas tree, opening them with my parents, and I personally can’t imagine what it would be like waking up on Christmas morning and not having anything to open up,” said Ethan Samuel, flight coordinator for Operation Good Cheer 2025.
For many volunteers like Patrick Young, the event has become an annual tradition and a chance to give back in a hands-on way…