ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Over 1,000 children of fallen soldiers are enjoying a special holiday vacation to Disney World thanks to actor Gary Sinise.
It's part of the Snowball Express, a program by the Gary Sinise Foundation.
“Each December, we host a five-day experience for 1,750+ children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian,” the Gary Sinise Foundation said on its website. “As a therapeutic retreat with a blend of fun and inspiring programs, these families can lean on their peers for support.”
We Remember.
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 12, 2018
Each flag representing the fallen hero of over 600 families attending @GarySiniseFound 2018 Snowball Express event at @WaltDisneyWorld
Thank you to these Gold Star families, our amazing volunteers and all who supported our event. pic.twitter.com/lr0TfBEXx6
(tweet)
Sinise posted a picture to Twitter of some of the families on board a plane (which has been decked out in holiday decor) getting ready to take off to Orlando.
“This charter left LAX this morning,” he tweeted on December 8. “I’ll join up in a few days. Have fun kids! We love you!”
Over 1000 Gold Star Children travel w/ surviving parent, 1,750 in all, via @americanair to Disney World today as part of our @GarySiniseFound Snowball Express program. This charter left LAX this morning. I’ll join up in a few days. Have fun kids! We love you! pic.twitter.com/OfMEpVF1er
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 8, 2018
(tweet)
According to KCAL, the "Snowball Express" flew out of 15 locations across the country to bring the families to Florida.
Sinise will be staying in Orlando through the weekend to be the guest celebrity narrator at Epcot's Candlelight Processional.