This morning when I came in it was business as usual. I said good morning to everyone and sat down in my office to begin my day. As I worked through my pile of surveys, emails, etc. I came across one of the most heart warming surveys yet. We recently gave a gift bank to a facility that cares for abused children. A precious little girl at the tender age of 4 had been to the center for a full abuse assessment as well as a comprehensive medical exam. After a little while had passed the little girl kept asking her mom to go to “the doctor”. Confused by what the child was trying to get at, the child began to describe the safe center. All the little girl wanted to do was play at the children’s waiting room. The mother called the center and, of course, they gave a thumbs-up on the visit.

The facility was so grateful to Kids Wish Network for the gift bank full of toys and activities that we had sent them and explained that our help makes it possible for these innocent children to have a safe place to play. My heart was so overjoyed at the thought of a child so excited to go back to a place where she can play and have fun after all she had to endure. This just made my week! Receiving letters like these makes us want to work even harder for these wonderful children! Toys heal wounds!

Barbara Askin
Director of Distribution

A little over a year ago I was hired to work in the distribution department for Kids Wish Network. Upon taking my post and learning all the new challenges that were laid before me, I was excited to be able to be part of something that was so inspiring.

After getting familiar with Kids Wish Network and all that we do here to help children, I was inspired so deeply and moved by the many heart warming stories that I challenged myself to do whatever I could to help these children in need. Getting up for work every morning was not about being a single mother and making sure all the bills were paid but became a personal mission for me to make sure that I did everything possible to help in any way I could to see that these deserving kids got everything that they needed and more.

Then, all of the sudden last week, I found myself sitting on the other side of the fence when my oldest son was diagnosed with a tissue mass found growing from his Thymus. Not all of the details have been determined yet. Waiting and worrying are the worst when you are trying to find out how bad it is going to be.

Is it cancer? What am I going to do? My son is an adult but it doesn’t matter from a mother’s point of view. I found myself thinking about all of those stories of the children we have helped and the families that have had to endure all the trials and tribulations that go along with having a sick child. I would like to personally thank each and every child along with their family members for sharing their children and their lives with us. They have given me the strength and the will not to give up and to keep on going no matter what. They have taught me over the last year that perseverance is everything. Furthermore, the staff here at Kids Wish are the most kindest compassionate people I know. They are not just my co-workers, they are my friends. It’s not just because of my circumstances that I have come to realize this. Its always been this way. They always support one another and truly care about these children and their families, just the same as they have shown me. Just a reminder: life gets busy, things get crazy, but don’t forget about your kids. Hug them and tell them you love them everyday. Encourage them regardless of circumstances to be strong individuals and to give of themselves unselfishly.

Heather
Distribution Department

I am so excited to be part of the local gift bank program that we do here at Kids Wish Network. This is my second Holiday Season that I am preparing for with local facilities that house homeless and abused children. The need for toys and items for them is tremendous this year and Kids Wish Network will be able to spread the joy of the season to many children who might not even have a chance to have a holiday.

It is a wonderful feeling to get up every day knowing that I have the chance to bring a smile to a hurting child’s face or to give someone hope. It’s a privilege to be able to work alongside my awesome co-workers and do what we do everyday!!

Heather
Distribution Department

All work and no play makes Ashley a dull girl…No, seriously. I know it sounds like fun, but we will definitely be working!

Kids Wish Network really needs baby items for distribution so next week we’re heading to Vegas for the Annual ABC Kids Expo.

I have no doubt we will meet many, many nice people who will help us out. Keep you fingers crossed, I’ll update you on our return!

Ashley
Distribution Department

What a week! We received so much awesome merchandise! Thank you so much to all of our “Guardian Angel” donors! Of course, it goes back out the door as fast as it comes in, but that’s the way it should be. It’s all about the kids!!!

Wow, we just received 5 pallets of the most awesome games from USAopoly! We are going to reach a lot of kids with these really cool games. Monopoly sure ain’t what it was when I was a kid; they have a version for everything under the sun now. USAopoly ROCKS!!!

Ashley
Distribution Department

What a nice Friday Morning Surprise! Barbara Askin and I just got a call from a wonderful van line company who want to donate their services to us by delivering 3 Gift Banks to hospitals in IL and KY. Thank you guys so much for your kindness and generosity. Joyce, you Rock! You have made our week!

Drove to Orlando yesterday to attend “The Gift Show”. We met some really nice people with some really nice stuff our kids would love. I’m excited to see what they donate!!!l

Ashley