Des Plaines’ Operation North Pole Dec. 7

Des Plaines Mayor Matthew J. Bogusz and Fire Chief Alan Wax recently met with Barb Dabler and Tim Crossin of Operation North Pole, the Des Plaines charitable organization that helps make possible an annual holiday outing to the “North Pole” for critically ill children and their families.

As in years past, Des Plaines Firefighters will assist with the North Pole excursion scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7.

While meeting at city hall, Dabler, president of Operation North Pole, and Crossin, treasurer of the organization, addressed other upcoming activities supported by the Des Plaines Fire Department and Des Plaines Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 4211. A benefit golf outing was recently held to help raise funds for the holiday outing, and a fundraising concert and silent auction was held at the Des Plaines Park District’s Leisure Center Saturday, Oct. 12.

According to Dabler, the fantasy trip to the North Pole for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus is the culmination of Operation North Pole’s yearlong fundraising efforts. Child-life specialists from Chicago-area Ronald McDonald Houses, their affiliated children’s hospitals, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Advocate Children’s Hospitals, and others select families that will benefit the most from the annual holiday event.

“In these difficult economic times, it is easy for us to forget the plight of others,” Dabler said. “We sometimes forget that people with a seriously ill child quietly go through life, not knowing if their child will survive treatment and be able to celebrate another holiday or birthday.”

Crossin added, “As all of us would, these families expend their energy and resources to try and save the life of their child. The vast majority of our guest families oftentimes find it financially difficult to provide their children with gifts during the holidays because their priorities are focused on medical care and related activities. That’s why we do all we can to give these families one day of respite from their difficult situations.”

Operation North Pole staff members are actively involved in many charitable causes within the local and regional community. Additional information on Operation North Pole, including events and activities, is available at www.operationnorthpole.org or by calling Barb Dabler at (847) 813-5387.

“It is an honor to endorse Operation North Pole for what they provide to families in our community and to families throughout the Chicagoland area,” Bogusz said.

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