Local nonprofit takes foster kids up in a plane to the North Pole

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- About two dozen foster kids gathered at the Colorado Springs Airport to take a flight Saturday evening to the North Pole.

The Junior League of Colorado Springs partnered with SkyWest Airlines to provide a "Fantasy Flight," letting the foster kids celebrate Christmas and receive gifts from Santa Claus himself.

Amy Salisbury-Werhane, the president of JLCS, says this is the thirteenth year that the two organizations have worked together "to bring Christmas magic" to the local children.

The 30-minute flight went by fast as passenger and attendants sang popular Christmas carols like "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

"Just seeing them even getting on the plane - it's just so much excitement," said Patrick Sheehan, the manager of SkyWest Airlines in Colorado Springs. "A whole plane full of energy. It's really exciting and special to watch."

When the plane arrived to the "North Pole," the kids ran up the ramp laughing and jumping. Each boy and girl was able to greet Mr. Claus and Mrs. Claus, receiving a bag filled with toys to take home.

"Being able to bring a little of holiday magic to these kids is really a priceless experience because it's something that maybe they otherwise wouldn't have been able to do," Salisbury-Werhane said.