For decades, the Silver Liners, a group of retired eastern flight attendants who teamed up with Delta airlines and volunteers have brought joy and excitement to around 80 very ill children every holiday season. With approval from their doctors, the kids get to fly to the North Pole!

“The boys and girls get put on the plane here in Detroit and the pilot tells the boys and girls they have to close their window shades because it is very bright in the North Pole,” said volunteer Bill Neelsen.

Each of the kids, who are terminally ill, receive a large goody bag filled with toys and gifts, donated by merchants and sponsors.

TMS Tree Lighting and Grant Ceremony

(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

“The faces on the boys and girls are really cool and Santa has informed me if they can take 5 seconds of their pain and problems away from them, then that’s what it is all about,” Bill said.

In the meantime, Bill who collects the donations and buys the toys for Santa, is in constant contact, making sure every child who can make it December 18 gets the Christmas they deserve.

Delta Air Lines Hosts Sixth Annual Holiday "Flight" To The North Pole For 150 Kids From Children's Hospital Los Angeles And P.S. ARTS At LAX

(Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Delta AirLines)

“I am looking forward to seeing all the boys and girls from Detroit and we are going to have a great time,” Santa says.

For more information, call (734) 403-1689. The deadline to submit donations is November 15th!