Kids Wish Network's Blog » Wish Department http://www.kidswishblog.org Where dreams do really come true! Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:46:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Vote for Kids Wish in the Pepsi Refresh Project! http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/vote-for-kids-wish-in-the-pepsi-refresh-project/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/vote-for-kids-wish-in-the-pepsi-refresh-project/#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:34:18 +0000 Alicia True http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=689 We’re excited about Kids Wish Network’s qualifing for a $50,000 grant from Pepsi Refresh so we can fulfill the wishes of 25 children at the Florida theme parks!

Vote for Kids Wish at http://www.refresheverything.com/kidswishnetwork and/or text 103927 to 73774 for a $50,000 grant from Pepsi Refresh to fulfill the wishes of 25 children at Florida theme parks and we found out this morning that our application was approved.

We are asking business associates, friends & family members to help us win the grant by including information in company newsletters, spreading the news on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. We are also distributing bookmarks to promote our participation at several events so anything you are willing to do for the kids would be appreciated!

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/vote-for-kids-wish-in-the-pepsi-refresh-project/feed/ 0 Volunteers Needed for “Light up the Night” at The Shops at Wiregrass http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/volunteers-needed-for-%e2%80%9clight-up-the-night%e2%80%9d-at-the-shops-at-wiregrass/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/volunteers-needed-for-%e2%80%9clight-up-the-night%e2%80%9d-at-the-shops-at-wiregrass/#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:37:05 +0000 Alicia True http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=692 Kids Wish is also seeking a few volunteers to help us during “Light up the Night” at The Shops at Wiregrass on Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 10 & 11 from 5 – 9 p.m. The mall will be providing blinking pins to sell at $2 each with the proceeds benefiting Kids Wish. Consider joining us at The Shops at Wiregrass “Light up the Night” event in Wesley Chapel, FL.

To volunteer please contact us.

Thanks for your consideration!

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/volunteers-needed-for-%e2%80%9clight-up-the-night%e2%80%9d-at-the-shops-at-wiregrass/feed/ 0 Bryson’s Rockin Shopping Spree! http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/brysons-rockin-shopping-spree/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/brysons-rockin-shopping-spree/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:43:11 +0000 Vanessa Covolo http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=686 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

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/brysons-rockin-shopping-spree/feed/ 0 ‘TIS THE SEASON AT KIDS WISH NETWORK! http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/tis-the-season-at-kids-wish-network/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/tis-the-season-at-kids-wish-network/#comments Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:49:17 +0000 Susan Gernhart http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=682 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

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/tis-the-season-at-kids-wish-network/feed/ 0 Top 10 Reasons to Donate to Kids Wish Network http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/top-10-reasons-to-donate-to-kids-wish-network/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/top-10-reasons-to-donate-to-kids-wish-network/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:00:39 +0000 Madeline Robinson http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=675 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

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/top-10-reasons-to-donate-to-kids-wish-network/feed/ 0 A Holiday Wish http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/a-holiday-wish/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/a-holiday-wish/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:15:19 +0000 Alicia True http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=669 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

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/a-holiday-wish/feed/ 0 The Story of Cody – A True Survivor http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/the-story-of-cody-a-true-survivor/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/the-story-of-cody-a-true-survivor/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:21:47 +0000 Jill Atchison http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=666
Cody and Bear Grylls

I was recently honored to be able to work on a wish for a very special young man named Cody, who is a true survivor. Cody lives in NY and was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease at birth. This is a nasty disease that involves a blockage of the large intestine. Cody is 10-years-old and has had 101 surgeries to date. Cody does not let his illness get him down or break his spirit. He describes himself as an outdoorsman who loves adventure.

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

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/the-story-of-cody-a-true-survivor/feed/ 0 Happy Holidays from Me to You http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/happy-holidays-from-me-to-you/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/happy-holidays-from-me-to-you/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:38:40 +0000 Elizabeth Perez http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=664 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

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/happy-holidays-from-me-to-you/feed/ 0 The Hero Program is Growing! http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/the-hero-program-is-growing/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/the-hero-program-is-growing/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:05:36 +0000 Susan Gernhart http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=660 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

]]> http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/the-hero-program-is-growing/feed/ 0 Happy Holidays! http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/happy-holidays/ http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/happy-holidays/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:55:37 +0000 Jennifer Gasparovic http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=649
Kira telling Santa her whole Wish List

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. :-D

Jen
Wish Department

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