Friday, December 5, 2008, 8:55 AM
“2008 Operation Shining Star” Brings Holiday Cheer to Hundreds of Chicago-area Children
Santa teamed up with the U.S. Secret Service, the Chicago Police Department and other law enforcement agencies and corporate and private sector partners to deliver toys to underprivileged kids
On Wednesday, December 10th, 2008, the United States Secret Service Chicago Field Office and the Chicago Police Department kicked off Operation Shining Star. Now in its tenth year, Operation Shining Star is a joint effort by federal, state and city law enforcement agencies and this year joining with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to make the holidays brighter for children at area hospitals, schools and youth centers. Through the combined efforts of this partnership, and the donations of corporate and private sponsors, Operation Shining Star delivered presents and holiday cheer to hundreds of underprivileged and sick Chicago area children.
The event began by honoring Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the line of duty while serving as Chicago Police officers. Santa and Mrs. Claus then attended a tree-trimming celebration at the Chicago Gold Star Families Memorial and Park and then traveled by a presidential-style motorcade along with law enforcement dignitaries and volunteers to deliver gifts to more than 700 sick and underprivileged children at Altgeld School, Comer’s Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Reception Center.
The children at the Children’s Reception Center had the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as enjoy an array of holiday goodies provided by Steve Michelis owner of 200 Cut Rate Grocery. The afternoon was shared with children from the Bright Minds Development Institute and their families.