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
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
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
I can’t believe that Christmas is next week!
For me, the holidays are a time to spend with family and friends; a time for giving, wonderful food and smiling faces. Very little brings me more joy than seeing the looks on the faces of my family members when they receive the perfect gift. Excitement, laughter and anticipation is everywhere.
Even though the malls are filled with people rushing to buy last minute gifts, there is a certain glow on their faces and a twinkle in their eyes. And even though times are tough, the holidays give us hope and much needed togetherness.
I hear stories this time of the year from wish sponsors about all they are doing to make this time of year special for those in need. Their hearts go out to those who can’t afford the simple things in life and they jump on the chance to help.
The Holidays are a wonderful time! I want to wish all of our wish children, their families, and everyone at Kids Wish Network a very happy and safe holiday season.
Megan
Development Department
I’d just like to welcome Jill, our new internet researcher. She’s getting some really great information for our wish funding specialists and is well on her way to becoming a real “Development Diva”! We’re glad to have you, Jill! Welcome to the team!
Melissa
Development Department
Cindy’s wish is to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward. On Friday, December 4, Cindy will have her wish come true.
Cindy was only 6 years old when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. She has since endured many surgeries and has survived both respiratory and kidney failures. Through it all Cindy maintains a positive outlook on life and you can actually see it in her face. She has a smile that just radiates her warmth and kindness.
The Tall Cedars of Lebanon sponsored a large part of Cindy’s wish costs, so I can’t wait to let them know about her visit with the Steelers and all the other wonderful activities she will experience.
Enjoy, Cindy, you deserve it!
Donna
Development Department
As the holiday season comes upon us so quickly, let us take a moment to reflect on how truly lucky we are.
For me, my children and my grandchildren are fed, warm and, more precious than that, they are healthy.
The kids we help here at Kids Wish Network have such resilience and it warms my heart to know that even though we can’t change what life has dealt them, as far as their health goes, we can and do put those smiles back on their faces and in their hearts.
Doris
Development Department
This year I shared Thanksgiving with some friends of family members. Some of my family was talking about what my job is at Kids Wish Network and then the questions started. What do you do there? Isn’t it hard work? Doesn’t it break your heart to hear and see all the children who are so sick? So, even though I was sick myself, I took pride in answering all of the questions. It was so cool to see how interested everyone was in what I do.
What happened next is one of the many reasons I do what I do; I got to tell everyone WHY I work at Kids Wish Network. It’s such a wonderful and rewarding feeling to fund wishes for these very special children, I told them. It’s great to give them a glimmer of happiness that they will never forget. I learn about new places and towns I otherwise never would have heard of.
I really enjoy telling people about what I do at work all day: helping to make wishes come true for hundreds of children.
How many people in this world can say that?
Megan
Development Department
This holiday season is a lot more special to me than years before. Working here at Kids Wish Network and having to read about what some of our “wish kids” have to go through is just truly heartbreaking. I couldn’t imagine some of the things that they must endure every day; it makes me realize how much I take for granted. This year I’m even more grateful for the many good things in my life. Happy Holidays to everyone and their families!
Melissa
Development Department
This past Saturday was a great day for me! I got to attend my first wish. The wish was for a little girl named Kira. Kira’s only wish was to go on a shopping spree at the Wiregrass Mall. I was so excited to be able to see firsthand what goes into making a wish possible. Usually I see photos or hear from the Wish Coordinator how a wish went. That day was a great new adventure for me!
So, on Saturday, Jennifer (Kira’s Wish Coordinator) and I were off to the mall to meet Kira. Our first stop was Aveda for Kira’s makeover. Aveda did her hair and makeup and made her look like a star. Next, Kira went to her favorite store, Justice. Jennifer and I got a special fashion show from Kira herself. She struck poses for the camera. It was so adorable!
After Kira shopped at Justice, she had to get dressed for her big performance. We were taken to a special location in the back of the mall. When we arrived, another surprise was waiting: SANTA! Santa was sitting in a chair, waiting to meet Kira one on one. I think everyone was quite surprised to see him.
Next, it was time for Kira’s big moment: to conduct the lighting of the tree ceremony to music with Santa. She was so high in the air so everyone could see her. When Santa introduced his special guest, I think I cheered the loudest! I was jumping and screaming and waving my arms. It was such a great moment.
Once Kira was reunited with her family, we all went to see Kira and her sister onstage. The band sang “Brown Eyed Girl” with a twist to include both Kira and her sister.
After a few photos, it was time to go. I think we were all sad it had to end. One of the greatest moments was when Kira’s Mother kept thanking us. I thanked her for giving me the opportunity to share this special time with Kira and her family. The whole day really made what I do seem more real for me. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. I don’t think I will ever forget Kira’s smiling face.
The Wiregrass Mall really outdid themselves. It was a spectacular day, one I will cherish always.
Megan
Development Department
Veterans Day is a day to remember all who have fought to keep our country safe and free. For me, this is a very special day because my mother and father-in-law are Vets and I have several family members in the military currently serving overseas.
In trying to fulfill our kid’s wishes, I have the pleasure of calling civic organizations like the VFW and the American Legions. They are dedicated to helping our Veterans but they also help where needed in their hometowns. A member of the VFW recently told me they rarely turn down a person or group in need.
I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who has served or is currently serving in the military. Not just because you protect our country, but because you have answered our call for help in funding many of our children’s wishes! Enjoy your day tomorrow, Veterans! You really do deserve it!
Megan
Development Department
This past Friday, everyone at Kids Wish Network celebrated Halloween with costumes and a luncheon. I was looking forward to this special day since we all had a blast last year. The Development Department dressed up as witches – but very glamorous witches! We basically only had to find a few witchy items, since we Development Divas are glamorous all year round! There were witch hats, capes, black lipstick and high heels galore!
I made my “famous” cheese platter and it was devoured before lunch even started! Lunch time was awesome! Everyone brought in homemade goodies to share! We had everything from chips to pasta dishes.
After everyone had a little time to digest the great lunch, the real fun started! Each department got to go trick-or-treating! At Kids Wish Network, you’re never too old to trick-or-treat! I filled a witch hat with all sorts of candies and chips. After such a “long, hard” day, it was great to wrap up my work for the week and snack on a few treats while trying to fulfill all those special wishes.
Overall it was an absolutely fabulous day at Kids Wish Network. I’ve already begun to think of ideas for next years costume extravaganza! I hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!
Megan
Development Diva
As a nation, we’re making it through a financially trying time, but I’m still so truly amazed by the giving nature of our sponsors. They continue to come through for all our wish kids here at Kids Wish Network. They dig deep and send what they can, knowing that a child is waiting who is enduring more than financial strife. Our wish kids suffer more in a day than most of us do in a lifetime and most of the time they do it with a smile. I’ve learned so much here at Kids Wish Network, not only about the suffering our wish kids go through, but also about the wonderful benefits of giving. Thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors across this great nation! We couldn’t keep the smiles going without all of your help!
Doris
Development Department
While working on fulfilling a wish for Michael in South Carolina, I had the pleasure to work with Jessica from the Pee Dee Federal Credit Union. She was GREAT – and everyone in her town must be proud to know such a caring woman! She went above and beyond for Michael’s wish; she set a date and put together all the preparations for a bowling event to help fund Michael’s wish. When I saw the pictures from the bowling night it made me smile! Everyone there looked so happy and I know they were all having a great time. Jessica, I want to thank you again, not only for your help but for just being such a sweet person to talk to.
Doris
Development Department
I can’t believe it’s already October! This year has just flown by so quickly that I don’t know where the time went.
I am excited to see that October has finally arrived because lots of our children will have their wishes fulfilled this month! It’s such a rewarding -and exciting- time to see all of our hard work come together!
Angela
Development Department
