Today I received a survey from one of our facilities regarding the pallet of toys we sent to them. After rating the program a “5” (out of 5), this is what the facility had to say:

“The other day a little girl (age 4) who had been in for a full abuse assessment, including a comprehensive medical exam, told her mom, or rather insisted that her mom take her to “the doctor”. Her mom was confused until the little girl described the building. The mom called to ask if it was OK, which of course it was, and the little girl came and played in the kids’ waiting room. Your generous gift of toys makes it possible for us to offer not only a safe, welcoming environment, but a place kids want to be. Thank you!”

It’s responses like these that makes the long days worth while! Good job KWN!!

Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator

Our Kids Wish Network newsletter will be hitting your inboxes soon. It’s full of new stories about our wish kids, and what’s been going on over here lately. Check out all of our new stories, including pics and videos of some recent wishes. It even has the story of one heroic boy who risked his own life to save another, and was severely wounded in the process. Because of his bravery and quick response to a friend in need, he was awarded Kids Wish Network’s Hero of the Month for the medical facility he was treated at.

There is also a compilation video, which includes the story of Gildiana, our 6-year-old wish kid who has cancer. Her wish was for a shopping spree, and she got to dress up like a princess and take a horse-drawn carriage to the store she chose. It is such a touching story. You won’t want to miss it!

Elizabeth

Today I received a short, but sweet email from one of our families regarding their daughter receiving the Hero of the Month award:

“My name is Berta and I am the proud parent of Lauren. Lauren was chosen as HERO of the MONTH … in September. I would like to personally thank the Kids Wish Network because she was so excited when she received the gift card and the t-shirt. This child has been through so much in her 7 years of living but expresses her gratitude for even the smaller things.

Again, thank you from the Foster family. Your organization has made a small child smile again after such a major surgery.”

It’s responses like these that makes the long days worth while! Good job KWN!!

Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator

So we just finished putting together the packets for September’s Hero of the Month nominees. They are ready to be shipped out!!! It’s a lot a work but it’s totally worth it once we realize how the child will feel when they open their packet and see all the really cool stuff they got. Not to mention a gift card!!!

Nominations for next month have already started coming in and we have some really great stories so far! HUGE thanks to all the hospitals that send us those kids who are so deserving of an award like this. It makes our day a little brighter when we realize how much we are helping those out there.

Keep on keeping on KWN!!!

Smiles, Margo

Today I had such an amazing morning!!! I got to help out with a toy drive for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and local Tampa TV station Fox 13. They partnered together to help stock the toy shelves for the children who are at the hospital. Talk about Christmas in July!!! Some of my fellow “Heroes” and I took over about $20,000 worth of toys!!! It was super hot outside but it was well worth it!!! Can you imagine the smile on the kids’ faces when they see all these toys arrive!?!?! I think my favorite item that went over was a toy house for the playroom!! It was super heavy so we let some of the guys carry that one!

Everyone over at Fox 13 was awesome!! I can’t imagine getting up that early every morning, but they do it with smiles on their faces! Doing the live shots was a lot of fun. It took us an hour to unload a truck full of toys but that’s only because we stopped working when the cameras were off! Gotta love live TV!!!

It’s such a great feeling knowing that we are helping to put a smile on a child’s face. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my day!! Thanks Fox 13 and St Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for allowing us to participate!!! Can’t wait until the next event!!!!!

Margo