'Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get'. Well folks, this time I'll just tell you.
'Forrest Gump' star Gary Sinise has made headlines this week for his inspiring act of kindness. And it's got everything to do with his self-titled charity organization and its devotion to Gold Star families.
On Saturday, December 7, Gary Sinise, a.ka. 'Lieutenant Dan Taylor', along with 1,700 family members, took a trip to Orlando, Florida's Disney World. The five day trip was all-expenses paid and is a part of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express initiative.
Sinise had partnered with American Airlines, who 'chartered flights with all volunteer crews to make stops in more than 20 cities to make this happen.'
The actor has been making these trips annually, since 2006, after the widow of a fallen soldier discovered a letter that was only to be opened if he died in battle. Among the departed's wishes was that he wanted his family to visit Disneyland.
Today begins our GSF Snowball Express #14. Over 1000 Gold Star Children travel with surviving parent or guardian, over 1,750 in all, via our travel partner @AmericanAir to Disney World as part of our @GarySiniseFound Snowball Express program. pic.twitter.com/lvDfMhXXcR
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) December 7, 2019
And so, Sinise has since stressed the importance of giving back to the Gold Star community. 'I'm not going to just say I'm supportive, I'm actually going to do something to express my support,' he explains.
But that's not where the story ends.
The philanthropist and his foundation host 'community-driven events for these families all year long. From baseball games, to arts & educational opportunities, to camping trips...These events are essential for children and surviving spouses to build bonds with the only people who can truly understand their loss: each other.'
Of course, it's no surprise that his inspiring post has since received almost 4,000 likes on Twitter. Hopefully further attention will be given to his amazing cause as he continues to spread the holiday spirit.
If you'd like to learn more about this amazing initiative, as well as many others, you can do so here.