By . Jessica Jerreat . PUBLISHED: . 21:05 EST, 10 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:06 EST, 10 December 2013 . An entrepreneur is making Christmas wishes come true after donating his air miles to those unable to return home for the holidays. From servicemen and cash-strapped college students to families who have a sick relative and a Marine wanting to propose, 25 round trip flights were handed out by Peter Shankman. The businessman was originally able to help only six people, but as his goodwill spread, airlines and other companies added to his generosity. Generous: Frequent flier Peter Shankman has handed out 25 round trips for holiday reunions . Gift: Shankman used Twitter to spread word about his plan to help families get home for Christmas . 'The outpouring of kindness has been unbelievable. Just really unbelievable,' Mr Shankman told the Huffington Post. The 41-year-old had advertised his offer . on Twitter on December 2, and the lucky recipients of 25 round-trip . tickets were selected on Sunday night. Sarah Ashley Jones Army wife wanting to spend holidays with husband she has seen for only three months over the past three years. M Johnson Second-year college student surviving on scholarships wanting to return home after single mother had surgery. Holly Mosher Martel Parents wanting to welcome son back from duty in Dubai after his wife announced she was leaving him. Nicole R Wants to send husband to be at his mother's hospital bedside after she suffered massive heart attack. Mark Pepple Pastor trying to send wife back home to see her sick father. Kacee Mercado Single mom serving in USAF wants to join family for Christmas as her mother celebrates beating cancer. J Knapp Trying to spend Christmas with her sister after their mother died in July. Angela TLC Mother wants to send 21-year-old son back to Chicago to see family and friends as he recovers from cancer. RD Gaines Daughter wants fiance to meet her father who is dying in a hospice. Angie Smith Sister trying to get brother who has just returned from Afghanistan out to family to California for her wedding. After hearing about his offer, JetBlue stumped up a further 10 flights, and four more people contacted Mr Shankman to offer their air miles to the cause. 'We were just moved by what [Shankman] . was doing. I think more . people should support people doing good things,' Morgan Johnston, of JetBlue, said. Other companies also generously donated a variety of goodies for the worthy winners, including a ScotteVest winter jacket, . three-month TripIt Pro travel planner subscription, and a subscription to magicJack phone service. Groundlink also offered ten return trips to and from airports. 'I'm psyched about being able to do this - I'm happy that my lifestyle can wind up helping people,' Mr Shankman said. To apply for one of the tickets, people were asked to write in and say why they deserved them. Heartbreaking stories of families separated by work or facing a first Christmas alone after losing a loved one soon flooded in. As the founder of the Geek Factory and his assistant Meagan Walker went through the entries they were moved to tears. Mr . Shankman, who flies about 250,000 miles each year, tweeted on December . 9: 'If you're lucky enough to afford what you need, say thanks. @mwalker117 and I are crying as we go through the free flight comments.' Reunion: Pat Bacon, left, requested a ticket so the grandson she has raised can spend his college break with his family. Kacee Mercado, right, a single mother who serves in the USAF wanted to visit her family . There was Army wife Sarah Jones who, . despite being married for five years has been able to spend only three . months in the past three years with her husband. When he finally got approval to come home for the holidays this year, the price of flights grounded their plans. Mike Babauta Wants girlfriend, who works tirelessly with special needs children, to spend Christmas with her widowed father. Terri Wilson Military family want mother-in-law to join them for the holidays after her veteran husband died. Ann Ryden Wants daughter to visit Marine boyfriend over the holidays so he can propose before finishing his Special Ops training. Twnpop Disabled single mom wants to spend Christmas with her son. Sandi Mother wants to bring Navy son home for first family Christmas in four years. Charles May 29-year-old battling cancer, who 'doesn't know how many Christmases he has left' wants to spend holidays with family . Pat Bacon Grandmother living on disability benefits wants to bring grandson she raised alone home for Christmas. Just A Gram Widow raising three grandchildren wants to bring oldest, who is studying in Vermont, home for the holidays. 'I rarely complain, because as an Army wife, I understand that I signed up for this with him. I take each day alone as they come,' she wrote. 'We get a kick out of Skype and funny emails. But sometimes, you just want to be with your loved ones on Christmas. And I'll be honest, I just miss the hell out of my husband.' Another forces family who will be reunited for Christmas was IslandgirlMC, who applied for a ticket so her husband, who is recovering after being injured in Afghanistan, could see his sister for the holidays. She explained that she couldn't afford to bring her sister-in-law from Chicago to the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia as the family is already surviving on charity funds. The Army wife said: 'It would mean the world to us to have her here and the doctor says that family support and love always aides in the recovery.' Other stories included that of Moreorles, a widower who has been raising his 11-year-old grandson for the past three years. The Florida grandfather, who lost his wife and daughter in the same weekend, said: 'I have always felt that family is the greatest joy this time of year. It is the gift I am giving him. I unfortunately cannot afford to go along with him.' Charles May, a 29-year-old cancer patient from Boston, also won a round-trip flight, meaning he will be able to spend Christmas with his family in Seattle for the first time in four years. Gift of family: Mike Babauta with his girlfriend Krista, who will get to spend Christmas with her father . Reunited: Army wife Sarah Ashley Jones, left, will see her husband thanks to Peter Shankman, right . Family time: Holly Martel and her husband will be able to welcome their Army son home after a tough nine months in Dubai . 'Don't mean to sound desperate but I don't know how many Christmases I have left,' he wrote, adding that it was 'expensive to be sick'. Moreorles Widower was only able to afford to send 11-year-old grandson he is raising to see extended family but would love to join them. The Five Slackers Family of a young Lance Corporal due to be stationed overseas in New Year want to bring him home for farewell. Judy Haydt Aunt wants Marine nephew due to be sent to Afghanistan to spend Christmas with his parents, sister and grandparents. Heather Wants . to send goddaughter, who was forced to relocate to Kansas when her . mother was diagnosed with cancer, to New York City to see her friends. Islandgirlmc . Wife whose husband is being treated for injuries sustained while . serving in Afghanistan, wants to fly in sister-in-law so she can see her . brother in hospital. A mother's request for tickets for her . daughter were also deemed worthy of the offer, as Ann Ryden revealed . details of a planned proposal. Her daughter had been working extra shifts as a waitress while training to be a teacher to save up for the flight to Washington to see her Marine boyfriend training to work in SpecialOps. Unbeknown to the daughter, her boyfriend planned to propose on a mountain over the holidays. 'If you could help them make this trip possible it would mean so much more knowing their Blessing would have been a gift from so many people to make this possible. What a better way to start a life together,' the proud mother said. It is not the first time Mr Shankman has given away flights for the holidays. The seasoned business traveler was able to help four people last year. He explained his motivation - and how he came to have so many air miles - on his blog. 'I do a ton of travel for work each year. This year saw eight international trips, including the Middle East, three to Asia, and several Europes. And that was only international ... What does all that mean, other than me never getting a good night's sleep? Well, I get a TON of miles,' he said. Goodwill: This is the second year Peter Shankman has been able to help families reunite over the holidays .
Army wives and cancer patients among those to benefit from campaign .
Peter Shankman's goodwill spreads as JetBlue airline and other companies pitch in with offers .
By . Jessica Jerreat . PUBLISHED: . 21:05 EST, 10 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:06 EST, 10 December 2013 . An entrepreneur is making Christmas wishes come true after donating his air miles to those unable to return home for the holidays. From servicemen and cash-strapped college students to families who have a sick relative and a Marine wanting to propose, 25 round trip flights were handed out by Peter Shankman. The businessman was originally able to help only six people, but as his goodwill spread, airlines and other companies added to his generosity. Generous: Frequent flier Peter Shankman has handed out 25 round trips for holiday reunions . Gift: Shankman used Twitter to spread word about his plan to help families get home for Christmas . 'The outpouring of kindness has been unbelievable. Just really unbelievable,' Mr Shankman told the Huffington Post. The 41-year-old had advertised his offer . on Twitter on December 2, and the lucky recipients of 25 round-trip . tickets were selected on Sunday night. Sarah Ashley Jones Army wife wanting to spend holidays with husband she has seen for only three months over the past three years. M Johnson Second-year college student surviving on scholarships wanting to return home after single mother had surgery. Holly Mosher Martel Parents wanting to welcome son back from duty in Dubai after his wife announced she was leaving him. Nicole R Wants to send husband to be at his mother's hospital bedside after she suffered massive heart attack. Mark Pepple Pastor trying to send wife back home to see her sick father. Kacee Mercado Single mom serving in USAF wants to join family for Christmas as her mother celebrates beating cancer. J Knapp Trying to spend Christmas with her sister after their mother died in July. Angela TLC Mother wants to send 21-year-old son back to Chicago to see family and friends as he recovers from cancer. RD Gaines Daughter wants fiance to meet her father who is dying in a hospice. Angie Smith Sister trying to get brother who has just returned from Afghanistan out to family to California for her wedding. After hearing about his offer, JetBlue stumped up a further 10 flights, and four more people contacted Mr Shankman to offer their air miles to the cause. 'We were just moved by what [Shankman] . was doing. I think more . people should support people doing good things,' Morgan Johnston, of JetBlue, said. Other companies also generously donated a variety of goodies for the worthy winners, including a ScotteVest winter jacket, . three-month TripIt Pro travel planner subscription, and a subscription to magicJack phone service. Groundlink also offered ten return trips to and from airports. 'I'm psyched about being able to do this - I'm happy that my lifestyle can wind up helping people,' Mr Shankman said. To apply for one of the tickets, people were asked to write in and say why they deserved them. Heartbreaking stories of families separated by work or facing a first Christmas alone after losing a loved one soon flooded in. As the founder of the Geek Factory and his assistant Meagan Walker went through the entries they were moved to tears. Mr . Shankman, who flies about 250,000 miles each year, tweeted on December . 9: 'If you're lucky enough to afford what you need, say thanks. @mwalker117 and I are crying as we go through the free flight comments.' Reunion: Pat Bacon, left, requested a ticket so the grandson she has raised can spend his college break with his family. Kacee Mercado, right, a single mother who serves in the USAF wanted to visit her family . There was Army wife Sarah Jones who, . despite being married for five years has been able to spend only three . months in the past three years with her husband. When he finally got approval to come home for the holidays this year, the price of flights grounded their plans. Mike Babauta Wants girlfriend, who works tirelessly with special needs children, to spend Christmas with her widowed father. Terri Wilson Military family want mother-in-law to join them for the holidays after her veteran husband died. Ann Ryden Wants daughter to visit Marine boyfriend over the holidays so he can propose before finishing his Special Ops training. Twnpop Disabled single mom wants to spend Christmas with her son. Sandi Mother wants to bring Navy son home for first family Christmas in four years. Charles May 29-year-old battling cancer, who 'doesn't know how many Christmases he has left' wants to spend holidays with family . Pat Bacon Grandmother living on disability benefits wants to bring grandson she raised alone home for Christmas. Just A Gram Widow raising three grandchildren wants to bring oldest, who is studying in Vermont, home for the holidays. 'I rarely complain, because as an Army wife, I understand that I signed up for this with him. I take each day alone as they come,' she wrote. 'We get a kick out of Skype and funny emails. But sometimes, you just want to be with your loved ones on Christmas. And I'll be honest, I just miss the hell out of my husband.' Another forces family who will be reunited for Christmas was IslandgirlMC, who applied for a ticket so her husband, who is recovering after being injured in Afghanistan, could see his sister for the holidays. She explained that she couldn't afford to bring her sister-in-law from Chicago to the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia as the family is already surviving on charity funds. The Army wife said: 'It would mean the world to us to have her here and the doctor says that family support and love always aides in the recovery.' Other stories included that of Moreorles, a widower who has been raising his 11-year-old grandson for the past three years. The Florida grandfather, who lost his wife and daughter in the same weekend, said: 'I have always felt that family is the greatest joy this time of year. It is the gift I am giving him. I unfortunately cannot afford to go along with him.' Charles May, a 29-year-old cancer patient from Boston, also won a round-trip flight, meaning he will be able to spend Christmas with his family in Seattle for the first time in four years. Gift of family: Mike Babauta with his girlfriend Krista, who will get to spend Christmas with her father . Reunited: Army wife Sarah Ashley Jones, left, will see her husband thanks to Peter Shankman, right . Family time: Holly Martel and her husband will be able to welcome their Army son home after a tough nine months in Dubai . 'Don't mean to sound desperate but I don't know how many Christmases I have left,' he wrote, adding that it was 'expensive to be sick'. Moreorles Widower was only able to afford to send 11-year-old grandson he is raising to see extended family but would love to join them. The Five Slackers Family of a young Lance Corporal due to be stationed overseas in New Year want to bring him home for farewell. Judy Haydt Aunt wants Marine nephew due to be sent to Afghanistan to spend Christmas with his parents, sister and grandparents. Heather Wants . to send goddaughter, who was forced to relocate to Kansas when her . mother was diagnosed with cancer, to New York City to see her friends. Islandgirlmc . Wife whose husband is being treated for injuries sustained while . serving in Afghanistan, wants to fly in sister-in-law so she can see her . brother in hospital. A mother's request for tickets for her . daughter were also deemed worthy of the offer, as Ann Ryden revealed . details of a planned proposal. Her daughter had been working extra shifts as a waitress while training to be a teacher to save up for the flight to Washington to see her Marine boyfriend training to work in SpecialOps. Unbeknown to the daughter, her boyfriend planned to propose on a mountain over the holidays. 'If you could help them make this trip possible it would mean so much more knowing their Blessing would have been a gift from so many people to make this possible. What a better way to start a life together,' the proud mother said. It is not the first time Mr Shankman has given away flights for the holidays. The seasoned business traveler was able to help four people last year. He explained his motivation - and how he came to have so many air miles - on his blog. 'I do a ton of travel for work each year. This year saw eight international trips, including the Middle East, three to Asia, and several Europes. And that was only international ... What does all that mean, other than me never getting a good night's sleep? Well, I get a TON of miles,' he said. Goodwill: This is the second year Peter Shankman has been able to help families reunite over the holidays .
airlines and other companies added to his family and friends as he recovers from cancer. RD to spend Christmas with his family in Seattle for