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Southwest Airlines Community

Giving Thanks for Southwest Airlines’ Support

mkondrich
Explorer C
On Thanksgiving Day, we invite others into our homes to celebrate together. This Thanksgiving, our friends at Southwest Airlines welcomed several wish kids and their families, along with Make-A-Wish® volunteers, to join them on the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park in New York City. We gathered together to share in being part of one of Thanksgiving’s greatest traditions, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. maw3

Wish kid Nikki had a prime viewing location of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park.

The Porch had many of the same comforts of home. Wish kids and parents alike laughed together on the porch swings. Stories of family traditions and of Thanksgivings passed were shared around the outdoor fireplaces. Breakfast was enjoyed around the tables. Each of us felt right at home. maw2

Wish kid Kaden enjoys a swing at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park.

The cheers and laughter of the crowds on the congested city streets became the background sounds of the respite time happening on the porch; it was crowd-free, with plenty of room, and a front row seat to see the Thanksgiving Day parade. Every day, Southwest Airlines welcomes wish kids like Kaden onto their airplanes. Two months ago, Kaden and his family boarded a Southwest plane for his wish trip to Florida—his first time flying and an experience he will never forget. What a treat it was for he and his family to join Southwest Airlines again, but this time, on the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park for this Thanksgiving Day celebration. The smile never left his face all day as he waved to each of his beloved characters, balloons, and stars in the parade. maw1

Wish kid Kaden and his family enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Memories continue to be made through the hospitality and generous support from Southwest Airlines, memories that will be cherished by wish families for many Thanksgivings to come. It warms my heart to know that the generosity of Southwest Airlines goes beyond just Thanksgiving Day and the holiday season. Every day, Southwest Airlines is making an impact on the lives of hundreds of wish families like the ones we met at the parade, flying them to and from their wish destinations.