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Bryson from Cincinnati, OH recently had a blast on his wish. On December 22nd Bryson was picked up by limo and headed out to his three favorite stores, Rockin Rooster, Meijer and Best Buy. He had the time of his life! If you would like to view Bryson on his spree, check out this link below!
http://www.fox19.com/Global/searchresults.asp?vendor=ez&qu=wish
Vanessa
Wish Coordinator
The holidays hold various meanings, feelings and associations for different people, whether financial, emotional or spiritual. When it comes down to it, a large portion of the festivities revolve around the children – the treats, cartoons, presents, Santa Claus’ “naughty and nice” lists, etc. Unfortunately, this year will be less than celebratory for many families who may be forced to choose between food and utilities over decorations and presents.
Though considered a “national” organization (working with children and facilities across the country), we are also proud to work with other philanthropic charities in our very own community. During the past few months, our Warehouse Team has been extra busy packing and wrapping pallets upon pallets of toys for countless non-profits who – like KIDS WISH NETWORK – call the Tampa Bay area their home.
We have had the pleasure of donating Gift Banks to: Child Abuse Council, Tarpon Springs Police Department, Homeless Coalition of Pasco County, Project Care Outreach, Pasco Kids First, CHIPS (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project), Arnette House, PARC, MARC, Children’s Medical Services, Harbor Treatment for Children, and CASA Community Shelter.
“The wonderful generosity of KIDS WISH NETWORK helped make over four hundred families have a great holiday this year. These are children and families who without your support would not enjoy the holidays that so many us take for granted. You helped make Christmas possible and have made a difference in the lives of so many children. Thanks also for the wonderful work you do all year.
- Child Abuse Council
“This year Kid’s Wish Network helped make the children and youth of the Arnette House’s holiday season much brighter. Our children and youth who are with us at the holidays, often worry about not being with family and friends. They worry, “will I be forgotten”, “will anyone remember to bring me a present”, “what will Christmas Day be like at the Arnette House”. They experience anxiety and sadness, but because of the generosity of the Kids Wish Network, staff can help dispel a little of their worries and fears and help make their holiday season as comforting and enjoyable as possible. Thank you Kids Wish Network!”
- Arnette House
“Thanks so much for the incredible donation of the Hope for Holidays Gift Bank. We’ve already begun distributing some of the items to our Healthy Families participants who often come to us greatly in need of the kind of items you’ve supplied. Thanks again to Kids Wish Network for this donation. We’re so pleased to be working in partnership with you to help our program participants have a brighter holiday season!
- Pasco Kids First
The ancient African proverb states, “It Takes A Village To Raise A Child”. We never claim to be “the village” but in conjunction with these big-hearted organizations, we hope to make a difference not just during the holiday season, but all year round!
~Susan
Facility Coordinator
I have been with Kids Wish Network for almost two years now and have had the opportunity to experience so many different things. I feel so blessed to be part of something that not only gives back but brings hope and happiness for so many different children that walk on so many different paths in life. For example, last year before the Holidays we decided that we really needed to help children right in our “backyard.” They economy has been so difficult and has caused many charities to be stretched beyond their limits. After working with many charities that serve the homeless and underprivileged children in our area, I started to become more and more aware of how bad things really are out there for these families and their children.
Two weeks ago, a charity called American Ending Homelessness stopped by after hearing about what we do from other local facilities in the area. When I asked them about their services they began to explain that they go out into the woods where homeless people live and try to provide them with anything that they might need. I was touched by their passion but was completely taken back when they mentioned the number of children that were homeless and living in these conditions. My heart broke. We were able to donate over $40,000 of merchandise to them. I was invited to go out into the woods with the volunteers so I could see how they work and how our donation would be put to use. There was no question in my mind that I was on a mission and I was happy to be going with the volunteers.
When I arrived at the location I was just heartbroken. I came face to face with over 20 kids who didn’t have homes. The people living in these conditions, as you can imagine, are very depressed. As I began to converse with some of these children I realized how blessed I am. The problems I have are nothing compared to what these children face every day of their lives. As Kirk Stevens from Americans Ending Homelessness began to ask the children what they needed, they replied with very basic everyday needs. When I left that night, it was cold. I couldn’t stop thinking about their precious little faces and how happy they were for us to visit. I cried most of the night just thinking about these poor people with no where to go and wondering where the next meal would come from or if anyone out there even cared about them. I almost felt guilty crawling into my own bed knowing that my children were clean, warm and fed.
I am so proud of Kids Wish Network because the truth is is that we really do work hard to make dreams come true and to make a difference in the lives of children across the nation. Many of you reading this right now are all over the United States. This problem is everywhere, not just here. I was honored to be with this wonderful group of people who are on a mission to end homelessness and equally honored to represent Kids Wish Network.
Heather
Distribution Department
The holiday season is such a joyous time. I love the decorations, the happy faces, Christmas carols, children’s giggles, being with family and friends and – oh yeah, and all those Christmas cookies!!!
At Kids Wish Network we all feel so fortunate to be able to have time off to enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and all the pleasures of the holiday, with our families.
Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas.
Donna
Development Diva
1. You care.
2. You can make a difference in the life of a child.
3. Kids deserve to have their dream come true.
4. Kids deserve to just be kids for a little while.
5. You want to help a sick child.
6. You can afford to.
7. It’s the right thing to do.
8. It does a heart good.
9. It will put a smile on the face of a child.
10. You become a part of making a wish come true.
Madeline
Wish Department
Yesterday, my fellow development diva Melissa told me about a woman from Michigan who wanted to help children from her home state, so I gathered all the information on the children I’m working on in Michigan. To my surprise, I discovered that I have 10 children there and I sent her all the information about each child’s wish.
Within the hour the wonderful “Michigan Guardian Angel” called me and wanted to know all she could about each child. She was so nice; I could tell she had a big heart. She wanted so badly to help each child with their wish.
What happened next was probably one of the biggest surprises I’ve had since I’ve worked at Kids Wish Network. This wonderful “Michigan Angel” gave a portion of her donation to each child’s wish. This means that every wish child I have who lives in Michigan will receive help from this very special lady.
I talk to our Guardian Angels quite often and they’re wonderful people, but this lady was so amazing that I could barely speak when I hung up the phone! I hope she knows just how special she is and that she’s bringing happiness and lasting memories to the children she helped!
So, because of this, I want to say a very special thank you to this very special lady from Michigan – it is a huge help to so many children!
Megan
Development Diva
I hope that all of our Wish Kids, Wish Families, Hero Kids, Hero Facilities, Sponsors and Donors have the most happy of holidays. May your wishes come true and may your hearts be light this season.
All my best to you and yours,
Alicia
Editorial Department
Cody’s only wish was to meet his hero Bear Grylls from Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild. After contacting Discovery Channel, I was put in touch with the person who could arrange this meeting. We were told that Mr. Grylls would be in Los Angeles the first part of December. We arranged for Cody and his family to fly out to Hollywood and for Cody to be treated like the star he is.
Finally, the morning of the meeting arrived and Cody was anxious to meet Bear. We were escorted to a private room and pretty soon we heard Bear yelling down the hallway “Cody, where are you?” Cody was so excited he yelled back, “I’m in here!” Soon, Cody and Bear became great friends and spent about an hour chatting and getting to know each other. Bear brought Cody a special Man vs. Wild book and personally autographed it for him as they reminisced about pictures of the show in the book. Cody impressed Bear with his complete and detailed memory of each episode. Cody also brought a special “throwing star” that he made for Bear; this “star” is a tool that you use in the wilderness. Bear was very touched and asked Cody to autograph it for him. Cody also shared his story of survival with Bear by showing him a touching album of photos of his different surgeries and important milestones in his life. At the end of the meeting Cody gave his hero a big hug and promised to stay in touch. I think that in giving Cody his greatest wish, Bear was himself blessed beyond words.
Jill
Wish Department
Today is my last day here at Kids Wish Network before I leave for my holiday vacation. I am so excited for Christmas and to be able to spend time with all my family members and friends. We have so many family traditions that we do each year. It is always a joyous and fun time.
I know that there are families who are spending the holidays away from or without loved ones. I know that this is the case for some of our own wish families here. I hope that even though the holiday may be sad, that they find something to be thankful for and that their holiday is a happy, blessed one.
To all our wish families and all the employees of Kids Wish Network, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and a very Happy New Year!
~Elizabeth
Wish Department
There is a little girl named Jolie who lives in Lumberton, Texas whose only wish was for a pink playhouse. When calling the Lumberton area I happened upon Don. He is with a local civic club. He quickly took it upon himself to rally the city and, in no time, he raised the entire amount for Jolie’s wish. It just goes to show you that the angels here on earth are incredible. We just need to focus more on the good that people do in our lives and reach out to the people that need our help.
Doris
Development Department
Thanks to our wonderful HERO OF THE MONTH participating facilities, it was another great month for submissions! In fact, we received more nominations in November than any other month on record – 103 total – which translates into one hundred & three lucky children who now have the opportunity to buy themselves something special during this holiday season.
The HOTM program was implemented about 4 years ago when KWN realized there was an entire population of children in hospitals, burn units, shelters, rehab centers, etc. experiencing difficult and unfortunate circumstances who also deserved recognition and “kudos”. (Unlike our “Wish Kids’, these youngsters do not have life-threatening illnesses.)
Our HOTM roster currently boasts over 150 facilities, allowing us to spread cheer all year long across the nation! If you know of a facility that would like to participate, please call us @ 888.918.9004.
~Susan
HOTM Facility Coordinator
Kids Wish Network recently provided The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties with a Gift Bank. They have a shelter that houses abused women and their children and they were in desperate need of assistance. Kids Wish Network is always honored to help.
After the delivery of the Gift Bank, we received a survey from this wonderful facility with this quote on it:
“The items sent were greatly needed. Donations have been down this year (probably the economy). Ironically, it seems that when the economy is unstable, domestic violence rates and our client base increases. Our kids in the emergency shelter need things to do to consume their time. It can get very boring and tedious; mothers are usually stressed and depressed. Many needy children (i.e., our outreach kids, as well as our shelter kids) will be made happy during this holiday season due to your generous contribution. Thank you very much!”
This makes me so happy to know that there will be children that ordinarily have nothing can finally have something to call their own. It also makes me feel better that some of the stress and pressure will hopefully be taken off of these mothers.
Barbara Askin
Director of Distribution
I watched the special on CSX’s Santa Train that aired on Great American Country over the weekend and it was amazing. If you haven’t seen it yet, I suggest you do.
I am extremely proud to say that Kids Wish Network was a part of this wonderful endeavor to help the children and families in the Appalachian Mountains. I am especially proud of Ashley, who was lucky enough to have been the KWN representative on the Santa Train. She did an amazing job helping out and putting a very happy face to the KWN name; in fact, everyone involved with the Santa Train did an awesome job.
There is nothing quite like that special feeling you get when you know that something you’ve done has gone towards helping children; with the Santa Train, over 5,000 children were given something to smile about for the holiday season when they might have had nothing. We at Kids Wish Network are very proud to have been a part of this event.
Shelley Breiner
Executive Director
This is my wish kid Kira telling Santa what she wants for Christmas! By the look on his face, I’d guess that she wanted a whole closet full of clothes and accessories for her little Lhasa Apso pup, Sammy!
I hope that all of you enjoy happy holidays this season. 
Jen
Wish Department
After many calls I was able to get Rough Country to donate a lift kit and Bull Dawg Doors to give a large discount on the top and doors. I then called Viva Auto Group in El Paso and Norma Munoz and her team from the service department came to the rescue.
Not only did they install the hard top, doors and lift kit but they also installed a light bar and repainted the Jeep! This Saturday Playford went down to the dealership and picked up his new Jeep. It was the best Christmas/Birthday gift he has ever received. Thanks to all who made this young man’s dream come true!!!
Jill
Wish Department
