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	<title>Kids Wish Network's Blog</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.kidswishblog.org/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org</link>
	<description>Where dreams do really come true!</description>
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		<title>Come Read All of Our Blogs</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2011/06/come-read-all-of-our-blogs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2011/06/come-read-all-of-our-blogs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:46:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kids Wish Network</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Departments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kids Wish Network]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=694</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You can now read all of our Kids Wish Network Blogs over at our main site, http://kidswishnetwork.org/category/blog/. We&#8217;ve been quite busy blogging away about all of the great things we are doing at Kids Wish Network. 
Drop by and leave us a comment.
Thanks!
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You can now read all of our Kids Wish Network Blogs over at our main site, <a href="http://kidswishnetwork.org/category/blog/">http://kidswishnetwork.org/category/blog/</a>. We&#8217;ve been quite busy blogging away about all of the great things we are doing at Kids Wish Network. </p>
<p>Drop by and leave us a comment.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
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		<title>Vote for Kids Wish in the Pepsi Refresh Project!</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/vote-for-kids-wish-in-the-pepsi-refresh-project/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/vote-for-kids-wish-in-the-pepsi-refresh-project/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:34:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alicia True</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wish Department]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=689</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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! </p>
<p>Vote for Kids Wish at <a href="http://www.refresheverything.com/kidswishnetwork">http://www.refresheverything.com/kidswishnetwork </a>and/or <strong>text 103927 to 73774</strong> 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. </p>
<p>We are asking business associates, friends &#038; 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!</p>
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		<title>Volunteers Needed for “Light up the Night” at The Shops at Wiregrass</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/volunteers-needed-for-%e2%80%9clight-up-the-night%e2%80%9d-at-the-shops-at-wiregrass/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2010/11/volunteers-needed-for-%e2%80%9clight-up-the-night%e2%80%9d-at-the-shops-at-wiregrass/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:37:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alicia True</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wish Department]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=692</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 &#038; 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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 &#038; 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.</p>
<p>To volunteer please <a href="http://kidswishnetwork.org/about/contact-us/">contact us</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks for your consideration!</p>
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		<title>Bryson’s Rockin Shopping Spree!</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/brysons-rockin-shopping-spree/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/brysons-rockin-shopping-spree/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:43:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vanessa Covolo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wish Department]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping spree]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wish]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=686</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fox19.com/Global/searchresults.asp?vendor=ez&#038;qu=wish ">http://www.fox19.com/Global/searchresults.asp?vendor=ez&#038;qu=wish </a></p>
<p>Vanessa<br />
Wish Coordinator</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>‘TIS THE SEASON AT KIDS WISH NETWORK!</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/tis-the-season-at-kids-wish-network/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/tis-the-season-at-kids-wish-network/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:49:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Susan Gernhart</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wish Department]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kids Wish Network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[season]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=682</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 &#8211; the treats, cartoons, presents, Santa Claus&#8217; &#8220;naughty and nice&#8221; lists, etc.  Unfortunately, this year will be less than celebratory for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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 &#8211; the treats, cartoons, presents, Santa Claus&#8217; &#8220;naughty and nice&#8221; 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.  </p>
<p>Though considered a &#8220;national&#8221; 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 &#8211; like KIDS WISH NETWORK &#8211; call the Tampa Bay area their home.  </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>“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.<br />
<em>- Child Abuse Council </em></p>
<p>&#8220;This year Kid&#8217;s Wish Network helped make the children and youth of the Arnette House&#8217;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, &#8220;will I be forgotten&#8221;,  &#8220;will anyone remember to bring me a present&#8221;, &#8220;what will Christmas Day be like at the Arnette House&#8221;. 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!&#8221;<br />
<em>- Arnette House </em></p>
<p>&#8220;Thanks so much for the incredible donation of the Hope for Holidays Gift Bank.  We&#8217;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&#8217;ve supplied.  Thanks again to Kids Wish Network for this donation.  We&#8217;re so pleased to be working in partnership with you to help our program participants have a brighter holiday season!<br />
<em>- Pasco Kids First </em></p>
<p>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!   </p>
<p>~Susan<br />
Facility Coordinator</p>
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		<title>Bringing Light in Dark Situations</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/bringing-light-in-dark-situations/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/bringing-light-in-dark-situations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:49:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Heather Cuddington</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Distribution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=680</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>When I arrived at the location I was just heartbroken. I came face to face with over 20 kids who didn&#8217;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&#8217;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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Heather<br />
Distribution Department</p>
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		<title>Holiday Greetings from KWN</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/holiday-greetings-from-kwn/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/holiday-greetings-from-kwn/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:02:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Donna Blackwell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday greetings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=677</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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!!!  </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas.</p>
<p>Donna<br />
Development Diva</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Top 10 Reasons to Donate to Kids Wish Network</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/top-10-reasons-to-donate-to-kids-wish-network/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/top-10-reasons-to-donate-to-kids-wish-network/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:00:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Madeline Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wish Department]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[granted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sponsor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wishes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=675</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ 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. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> 1. You care.<br />
 2. You can make a difference in the life of a child.<br />
  3. Kids deserve to have their dream come true.<br />
  4. Kids deserve to just be kids for a little while.<br />
  5. You want to help a sick child.<br />
  6. You can afford to.<br />
  7. It&#8217;s the right thing to do.<br />
  8. It does a heart good.<br />
  9. It will put a smile on the face of a child.<br />
10. You become a part of making a wish come true.</p>
<p>Madeline<br />
Wish Department</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Michigan Guardian Angel</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/michigan-guardian-angel/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/michigan-guardian-angel/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:40:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Megan Bielecki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[donation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[donations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[donors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday cheer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sponsor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wish sponors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wishes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=673</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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!  </p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>Megan<br />
Development Diva</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>A Holiday Wish</title>
		<link>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/a-holiday-wish/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kidswishblog.org/2009/12/a-holiday-wish/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:15:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alicia True</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wish Department]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[come true]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[granted]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Happy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wish]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kidswishblog.org/?p=669</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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. </p>
<p>All my best to you and yours,<br />
Alicia<br />
Editorial Department</p>
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