Operation North Pole

  • Post category:Holidays / Vacation
  • Reading time:5 mins read

A festive logo featuring the large red letters “ONP,” each topped with a snowcap. Above the center letter, a stylized green figure reaches upward toward a green star. Below the initials, the words “Operation North Pole” appear in green capital letters, giving the design a cheerful, winter‑themed look.

*Updated to include media coverage of the event.

Last weekend we went on the trip of a lifetime; a trip that very few are able to take. We were some of the lucky ones that were chosen to take a trip to the North Pole. From the organization’s website:

 

Founded in 2009, Operation North Pole (ONP) is a volunteer-based public charity that provides a magical fantasy trip to the North Pole for a family with a child battling a life-threatening illness.

 

When we were contacted months ago that James and his family were chosen for this year’s trip, we were excited. Stacy had already heard about this organization through the local special needs community, but I had no idea what it was all about. Although I had researched it about before we went, I was still completely blown away. Words really can’t describe it. Even a week later, we’re still a bit wired from the trip. I suppose some of that could be the candy. Lots and lots of candy! More on that later.

On Friday night they put us up in a hotel… a really nice hotel. Our room had a bedroom and living room area. We got there early enough so James could get a little bit of belly time before it was time for his dinner.

 

James lies on his belly on a colorful mat in the middle of a beige hotel room, with a sofa, ottoman, and side table arranged nearby. A patterned bag rests close to James, and a stroller with a red blanket draped over it sits near a wooden dresser. A television on the dresser plays an animated show featuring two characters, while patterned curtains cover the window and a door with a posted notice is visible in the background.
Tummy time before dinner

 

Thankfully there was a couch in the living room for me to sleep on. There wasn’t enough room in the bed for the three of us. It wasn’t the comfiest of couches, but it didn’t really matter. I don’t think any of us got much sleep anyway. We were all too excited for the adventure that awaited us in the morning.

 

Stacy and James lie in bed under white sheets, facing each other in a dimly lit room. Stacy rests on her side while James lies face‑down with a horseshoe‑shaped pillow near his head. The bed has a padded brown headboard with a dark wooden frame, creating a quiet, restful atmosphere.
Stacy and James all comfy in the bed

 

Saturday morning, we got a police escort from the hotel to the convention center, where they fed us breakfast before loading us on buses that would take us to the train.

 

The view from inside a car shows the driver’s hands on the steering wheel while several police vehicles with flashing red and blue lights are stopped on the street ahead. Bare trees and multi‑story buildings line the area, including one with a visible “Holiday Inn & Suites” sign.
Our police escort to the convention center for breakfast

 

A wide indoor industrial space with a polished concrete floor, tall support columns, and bright overhead lighting. Several columns are wrapped with orange coverings, and a few vehicles, including a white car and a yellow truck, are parked along the far wall. The high ceiling and open layout give the room an expansive, warehouse‑like feel.
We got to park inside the convention center

 

Stacy holds James on her lap at a table covered with a white cloth during an indoor community event. James wears a red plastic firefighter helmet labeled “Rosemont Fire Safety” and has his mouth open and eyes partly closed. Stacy wears a purple shirt with the word “LOVE” in white letters and a red lanyard. Chairs and other attendees are visible in the background, giving the scene a lively, public‑gathering feel.
Waiting for breakfast at the convention center

 

A black police SUV is parked indoors on a polished concrete floor, with the words “North Pole Police” displayed on the door in bold white letters accented with red and green. A police badge emblem sits beside the text. In the background, people stand and walk near tables draped with red curtains, giving the scene the feel of a busy holiday‑themed event.
One of the North Pole police cars that was waiting to escort our buses to the train station

 

James in a specialized wheelchair is being lifted onto a yellow school bus labeled “Alltown” using a mechanical platform. The wheelchair includes supportive equipment such as a neck pillow and headrest. Several adults stand nearby assisting with the boarding process. The scene takes place indoors, likely in a garage or loading area, highlighting accessible transportation accommodations.
James getting on the bus

 

James sits in a specialized wheelchair inside a bus, positioned near the window with a headrest and safety straps in place. A red jacket is draped over part of the seat. Outside the window, several yellow taxis are parked in a lot with buildings in the background. Near the bus door, a wheelchair lift mechanism is visible, highlighting the vehicle’s accessibility features.
Heading to the train station

 

From the convention center, we had to get onto the highway to get to the train station, and they did something that I had never seen done before. They shut down traffic on the highway so that all of the buses could stay together in one long procession. I wish I had a picture of the police cars blocking off the highway, but I don’t. I could only imagine what the people on the highway must have been thinking when they saw the cop cars blocking the road for this long procession of police cars, fire trucks, and buses.

 

Several emergency vehicles travel along a curved roadway, including a pink fire truck, a red fire truck with yellow reflective markings, and a police car with flashing lights. The road is bordered by a grassy median edged with white gravel. Leafless trees and multiple buildings, including one with a dome, appear in the background.
Getting onto the highway

 

The view from inside the bus shows three yellow school buses traveling along a highway interchange on an overcast day. The landscape outside includes grassy slopes with patches of mud and light snow, and the sky is gray. Streetlights and a bridge structure appear in the background.
Getting onto the highway

 

Once we got to the train station, we had to wait a little bit for the train to arrive, but it was worth the wait. It looked amazing! It was specially wrapped just for this event of a lifetime.

 

James in a wheelchair with attached medical equipment waits on a train platform facing the tracks. Orange‑and‑white barricades block the rails, and several people stand on both sides of the platform, including someone in a red hard hat and another in a blue jacket. Across the tracks, a large brick building with a green clock tower and tall windows rises in the background under a cloudy sky.
Waiting for the train

 

A group of people stand along a train platform behind a white safety barrier as a train with bright headlights and a red‑and‑white striped front approaches on the tracks. A yellow tactile strip runs along the platform edge. Buildings, streetlights, and trees sit in the background beneath an overcast sky.
The train has arrived

 

People stand on a train platform beside a brightly decorated train car covered in playful illustrations of childhood toys, including a spinning top, toy airplane, drum, rubber duck, and rocking horse on a yellow background. String lights hang from the platform roof, and a brick column stands to the right. A small sign points toward Cars 2A and 2B, adding to the festive, welcoming atmosphere.
Operation North Pole train car

 

A brightly colored train car painted red features large illustrations of musical instruments and a gray elephant wearing a decorative blanket. A xylophone and a drum with drumsticks appear prominently in the mural. In front of the train, a group of people — including children in hats — stand watching. String lights hang above the platform, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Operation North Pole train car

 

A yellow train car features large red letters spelling “ONP,” each topped with a snow‑covered design, with “Operation North Pole” written below in red. The “N” includes a stylized figure reaching toward a star. Rectangular black‑framed windows line the side of the car. In front of the train, several people — including children — stand or walk along the platform, adding to the festive, holiday‑event atmosphere.
Operation North Pole train car

 

James had to be lifted onto the train, and then we were off to the North Pole. The train ride was full of fun and entertainment.

 

Several people assist with boarding a festively decorated train, which features red and gold colors near the doorway. One person wears a red shirt with suspenders that read “North Pole,” while another has on a green‑and‑red striped hat. A stroller is being lifted into the accessible doorway, marked with a wheelchair symbol. A sign in the foreground points toward Cars 2A and 2B, and a poster with photos and text is visible inside the train.
Firefighters lifting James onto the train

 

A husky‑type therapy dog with black, white, and gray fur stands in the aisle of the train wearing a blue vest labeled “Therapy Dog.” The dog is on a leash, positioned near seated passengers. In the foreground, part of a wheelchair is visible, suggesting the dog is present to provide comfort and support during the ride.
Therapy dog on the train

 

A collage shows James, Jeff, and Stacy on a train holding green paper mustaches on sticks in front of their faces, creating a silly, playful look. The background is yellow with pastel mustache patterns, and text at the top reads, “Mustache you a question... Are we having fun!!” The overall feel is cheerful and humorous, capturing a fun moment during the ride.
Our silly mustaches

 

James and other passengers sit inside a festively decorated train, with green holly leaves and red berries lining the upper wall. A person in a white, fur‑trimmed holiday outfit stands on the left, partly in frame. Nearby, James with a green neck pillow faces the camera, while others smile and chat further down the car. The scene feels lively and cheerful, capturing a holiday‑themed ride in motion.
Mrs. Claus stopped to say hello to James

 

James sits in a wheelchair wearing bright holiday accessories, including a red‑and‑green elf hat with a dark green pom‑pom, oversized green Christmas‑tree sunglasses, and a yellow neck pillow with white patterns . Other passengers in red and green clothing are visible in the background inside a transit vehicle, creating a cheerful, festive atmosphere.
Christmas tree glasses

 

James sits in a wheelchair on a decorated holiday train, wearing a gray shirt and a green neck pillow with white patterns. A hand in the foreground holds a cut‑out card that spells “LOVE” with star‑shaped openings. Behind the child, passengers and volunteers in festive clothing — including a train conductor in a uniform — stand and chat. The upper wall of the train is lined with colorful illustrations of toys and holiday decorations, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The conductor gave James a special train ticket

 

Inside a holiday‑decorated train car, garlands and illustrations of ornaments and toys line the upper wall. A train conductor in a dark uniform and hat stands in the aisle. Passengers fill the seats, including a James in the foreground in a wheelchair with a green neck pillow and a snowman sticker on the chest strap. Others wearing festive elf hats hold red bags and chat, creating a lively, cheerful holiday atmosphere.
Train conductor checking tickets

 

When we finally arrived at the North Pole, we were greeted by Santa Claus himself:

 

Santa Claus stands on a small stage in a traditional red suit, holding a microphone as he speaks to a crowd. Families and children gather in front of him, some wearing festive clothing. Behind Santa, beige curtains and red drapes frame the scene, giving the room a cozy, holiday‑event atmosphere.
Santa Claus welcoming us to the North Pole

 

Then we were led down a corridor that was lined with firefighters and first responders down on one knee and clapping for us. It was quite an emotional experience. I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried.

 

A decorated Christmas tree with red and silver ornaments, tinsel, and lights stands near a gold draped curtain in a large indoor hall. In the background, groups of first responders in red shirts and safety vests kneel together as part of an organized holiday activity.
First responders on one knee applauding for us

 

A long hallway lined with decorated Christmas trees creates a festive corridor. Firefighters in red shirts and helmets kneel along both sides, forming a welcoming path. Families and children walk down the center, moving toward a larger gathering area. Conference‑room signage and a banner with the ONP logo hang in the background, giving the scene the feel of a coordinated holiday event in a convention‑style space.
First responders on one knee applauding for us

 

Firefighters in red shirts, reflective‑striped pants, and helmets kneel on a patterned carpeted floor, clapping as part of a holiday event. James' head and hand appear in the foreground, with Stacy gently holding his hand. Behind the firefighters, a few people stand, including someone in a Santa hat, adding to the festive, encouraging atmosphere.
James waving to the first responders

 

Then we finally entered the “North Pole”, and it was beyond anything we ever imagined. I will post a bunch of pictures below, but they just don’t do it justice. For one, a lot of the pictures came out kind of blurry. And you really can’t feel the excitement, the awe, or the magic that swept over us as we wandered through the streets of the North Pole. There was candy, and games, and candy, and trains, and candy, and food, and candy, and Christmas trees, and candy. So much candy!

 

A large indoor holiday celebration is filled with decorated Christmas trees, hanging snowflake ornaments, and festive lighting. Many attendees in red shirts and Santa hats gather throughout the space, creating a lively crowd. Costumed characters — including a Minion in a Santa hat and a Snoopy mascot — mingle with guests, adding a playful, cheerful element to the event.
Entering the North Pole

 

Two people in full‑body Minion costumes stand side by side, each wearing blue overalls, large silver goggles, and red Santa hats. Behind them, people gather in a festively decorated indoor space with hanging snowflakes, ceiling lights, and a Christmas tree dusted with artificial snow. The scene feels lively and cheerful, blending holiday spirit with cartoon‑character fun.
We met a couple of Minions

 

A costumed toy‑soldier character in a bright red uniform with white cross straps, black gloves, and a tall black hat stands at the center of a festive indoor gathering. People in Christmas‑themed outfits — including Santa hats and red‑and‑white striped clothing — surround the character, some clapping or interacting. Decorated Christmas trees with lights and ornaments fill the background, creating a lively holiday atmosphere.
Toy soldier

 

A large indoor holiday celebration is filled with people in festive clothing, including Santa hats and red attire. Christmas trees decorated with colorful lights and ornaments line the space, while snowflake decorations hang overhead. Warm and colored lighting glows against draped curtains, and artificial snow falls from above, creating a lively, crowded, and joyful Christmas‑party atmosphere.
Snow falling from the ceiling

 

A person dressed as the Grinch stands at the center of a crowded indoor holiday celebration, wearing a red Santa coat with white trim and a matching hat. People in festive clothing and Santa hats gather around, smiling and interacting. Behind them, large decorated Christmas trees, hanging snowflake ornaments, and a gingerbread‑house‑style display glow with colorful lights, creating a bright, joyful Christmas atmosphere.
The Grinch

 

A person dressed as the Grinch, with green furry hands and face, wears a red Santa coat with white trim and a black belt. The Grinch character leans in to greet or shake hands with James just out of frame. People stand nearby on a patterned carpet and wooden floor, watching the interaction as part of a festive indoor holiday event.
The Grinch stopped to say hello to James

 

In an indoor event space with patterned carpet, Stacy in a purple shirt leans close to James seated in a wheelchair. James wears a gray shirt and a green neck pillow with white patterns. Stacy's hand rests gently on James' hand, creating a quiet moment of connection. Other people stand and walk in the background, adding to the sense of a busy gathering.
My two loves

 

Santa Claus leans toward James seated in a specialized wheelchair, creating a warm moment of interaction in a festive indoor space. The child is accompanied by Stacy in a purple shirt with “LOVE” printed on the front, holding the wheelchair handle. Behind them, decorated Christmas trees, ornaments, and holiday displays fill the room, while people in colorful clothing move through the busy celebration.
Saying hello to Santa

 

Santa Claus, dressed in a red suit with white trim and gloves, leans toward James seated in a specialized wheelchair. Santa waves with one hand while gently holding James' hand with the other. The child’s chair includes supportive attachments and padding. Behind them, people in festive clothing — including red shirts and holiday accessories — gather in a decorated indoor space with patterned carpet and holiday‑themed tables, creating a cheerful Christmas‑event atmosphere.
Hi Santa

 

A tall green cone‑shaped Christmas tree decorated with shiny ornaments stands at the center of a festive indoor event. Surrounding it are tables draped in bright pink, yellow, green, and purple cloths, each piled high with assorted candies, including rolls of Smarties. People in holiday attire, some wearing Santa hats, gather in the background near a sign labeled “Games,” with additional Christmas trees, snowflake decorations, and warm lighting filling the space.
Candy

 

A vibrant holiday display features a large, colorful centerpiece wrapped in bright pink, blue, and green materials, surrounded by oversized candy‑themed decorations like giant lollipops, bows, and ribbons. In the foreground, a table overflows with assorted wrapped chocolates and candies spilling from baskets and containers. Behind the setup, more themed decorations — including a gingerbread‑style structure and additional candy displays — create a whimsical, festive scene.
More candy

 

A colorful candy‑themed display sits in front of a red curtain backdrop. Containers on the table overflow with lollipops and assorted wrapped candies, including a large blue bin filled with sweets. Tall cylindrical decorations topped with multicolored paper parrots and ribbon streamers rise above the setup, and a large spiral lollipop stands at the center as a focal point. The scene feels playful and festive, designed as part of a holiday candy station or party display.
And more candy

 

A large candy‑themed holiday display features a tall centerpiece wrapped in bright pink and purple materials, decorated with oversized bows and surrounded by giant lollipops, candy canes, and containers of multicolored gumballs. The table is covered in a shiny blue cloth with red trim, with assorted wrapped candies spread across the surface. In the background, people in festive attire — including Santa hats — gather among illuminated trees, snowflake decorations, and other holiday décor, creating a lively Christmas‑event atmosphere.
Still more candy

 

A candy‑themed display fills the foreground, with a table covered in orange Reese’s packages, a bowl of mixed sweets, and a green container spilling more candy across the surface. Behind it, a tall, colorful centerpiece made of bright pink, purple, blue, and green decorations rises above oversized candy props like lollipops and wrapped sweets. Additional decorated tables and event‑goers appear in the background, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.
Stacy’s favorite, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

 

Stacy leans over a table covered in a large spread of candy, with piles of orange‑wrapped Reese’s peanut butter cups dominating the display. Bowls and containers hold additional sweets, including colorful wrapped chocolates and small round candies in a green bowl. Behind the table, more event tables are arranged with gift bags, candy containers, and bright decorative cloths, creating the look of a busy, candy‑themed holiday setup.
She wanted to take them all for herself

 

A large candy table sits at the front of a festive indoor event, covered with assorted chocolates, lollipops, and wrapped sweets arranged in colorful trays and containers. Behind the table, oversized decorative pom‑poms in red, turquoise, and purple rise above glittery cone‑shaped decorations. In the background, decorated Christmas trees, tables with chairs, and people in holiday clothing — including Santa hats — fill the brightly lit space, creating a cheerful celebration atmosphere.
Look, more candy!

 

As much fun as it was, we eventually had to go back to reality and head home. There was one more stop that we had to make though. We had to stop and pick up the gifts that were picked out just for James. Once we had the gifts and James in the car, off to home we went.

 

Inside our van, James rests in a wheelchair with a patterned neck pillow supporting his head. The back of the vehicle is packed with large red‑and‑white bags and wrapped packages, suggesting a full load of gifts or supplies. A red child car seat sits to the right, and through the rear window a parking lot with cars and people is visible under bright lighting, creating the sense of a busy outing winding down.
They send us home with lots of gifts

 

James was pretty wiped out. I think we all were. Fortunately, we had lots of candy to keep us awake for the drive home. Ugh. And then we still had to unload the car when we got there!

 

The open rear of a red minivan sits in a residential driveway at night, its cargo area packed tightly with bags, boxes, and wrapped items. A green pool noodle decorated with reindeer antlers and a red nose rests among the load, adding a playful holiday touch. The scene suggests a vehicle fully loaded for gift transport or event prep, illuminated by the driveway lights against the dark evening.
We’re home!

 

Once we got the car unloaded, it was time to unpack…and sort through all of the candy we brought home with us.

 

Stacy lies face‑down across a large pile of assorted candy and snacks spread over a festive rug. Plush toys, lollipops, candy canes, and other colorful treats surround her in a playful, chaotic scatter. A small lit Christmas tree stands in the background alongside holiday decorations, including a Santa figure and a sign that reads “RELAX WORRY LESS PLAY MORE,” giving the scene a cozy, humorous holiday‑at‑home feel.
Stacy hugging a pile of candy

 

Stacy sits on a rug surrounded by a large spread of colorful candies, small toys, and holiday‑themed items. Lollipops, candy canes, wrapped sweets, foam pool noodles, and novelty bear‑shaped toys are scattered in loose groups around them. Nearby, festive decorations — including a Santa figure and holiday wrapping supplies — create a cozy, busy Christmas‑prep atmosphere.
What are we going to do with all of this candy?

 

An assortment of candy is spread across a rug featuring a large Santa Claus design, organized into neat piles by type and color. The piles include Reese’s, Kit Kat, Twix, Snickers, Smarties, Goldfish snack packs, and other assorted treats. A decorative Santa figure stands nearby, adding to the festive, holiday‑sorting vibe.
Candy sorted into piles

 

After having our fundraiser for the van last year, we have an idea of how much work goes into an event like this, but our event was pretty small compared to Operation North Pole. To all of the volunteers, donors, and everyone who took part in our incredible trip to the North Pole, a HUGE THANK YOU! It was the trip of a lifetime, and we will never forget it.

 

Media Coverage of Operation North Pole 2015

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20151212/news/151219596/