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Vanessa
Wish Coordinator

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

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

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

Madeline
Wish Department

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

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

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

Doris
Development Department