The holiday lights at Macy’s on State Street always dazzle, but on Nov. 20, the store was even brighter than usual with the additional smiles of 200 preschool-aged kids participating in Operation Happy Children. Before the store opened, they were invited to enjoy a private breakfast in the Walnut Room (where Macy’s executives such as Andrea Schwartz served as waitstaff), followed by face-painting, a visit with Santa and goody bags brimming with gifts. For the fifth year Macy’s paired with the Chicago Commons Head Start Program, a full-day preschool for young children in underprivileged neighborhoods. Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen

The holiday lights at Macy’s on State Street always dazzle, but on Nov. 20, the store was even brighter than usual with the additional smiles of 200 preschool-aged kids participating in Operation Happy Children. Before the store opened, they were invited to enjoy a private breakfast in the Walnut Room (where Macy’s executives such as Andrea Schwartz served as waitstaff), followed by face-painting, a visit with Santa and goody bags brimming with gifts. For the fifth year Macy’s paired with the Chicago Commons Head Start Program, a full-day preschool for young children in underprivileged neighborhoods.

Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen