City/Firefighters/Operation North Pole Review Upcoming Events
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 has become synonymous with 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, December 7, 2013.
While meeting at City Hall, Dabler, who is 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 is being held at the Des Plaines Park District's Leisure Center this Saturday evening.
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.
Dabler noted, “In these difficult economic times, it is easy for us to forget the plight of others. 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.”
Currently, Des Plaines Firefighters, in partnership with Operation North Pole and LifeSource Blood Services, are coordinating a Community Blood Drive, 8 AM – 2 PM Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Fire Station #3, 130 E. Thacker Street, Des Plaines.
According to Fire Chief Wax, “There is a continual need for blood donations in the Chicagoland area. Firefighters daily see the effects of illness and injury, and recognize the life-saving value a few minutes of time to donate can bring.”
Individuals interested in donating should call LifeSource at 877-543-3768. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are recommended to avoid longer wait-times. Donors may also sign up on line and use the sponsor code 089D at www.lifesource.org.
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. I encourage all of those who are able to donate blood to do so at the drive being coordinated by the Des Plaines Fire Department and Operation North Pole on October 19th at Fire Station #3,” Mayor Bogusz said.