Every year, Steve Bollinger, on behalf of Angel Flight West, helps bring smiles and needed supplies to an elementary school, in need, in Utah. It’s called Santa Flight – where Santa and his helpers fly in a private plane to visit the students and deliver the gifts – with several other private planes owned by pilots who donate their time and resources. The month prior, Angel Flight West’s own pilots (including salesman James Bollinger, and retired Jerry Bollinger) helped collect books, toys, school supplies, winter clothing, and monetary donations. In addition several other organizations donated and helped collect donations.
All of the efforts paid off on December 7th, 2023 when 20 private planes flew around 7000 pounds of donations and Santa and his helpers to St. George, Utah. Sunset Elementary School’s kids, about 500, were bussed out and were anxiously awaiting Santa in one of the airport’s large hangars. The morning consisted of lots of singing, Thank You signs, and Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a few elves visiting with all of the children.
600 books were donated by KUED (PBS) through its “Ready to Learn” program, and toys, school supplies, books, backpacks, and clothing were collected by the communities in Salt Lake. In addition to the physical gifts, Mountain America Credit Union and Bank of Utah contributed monetary donations; Venmo donations were also accepted. All of the donations will greatly help the school and the kids that attend and help them know how much care and support is around them from the community!
Santa Flight would like to thank all of those that helped collect and deliver the donations making this year’s Santa visit memorable! To learn more about Santa Flight and to help with next year’s project, keep watch on our social media accounts and/or check this page. It will be updated next year when information is available.
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