Helping to make a sick child's wish come true can be as easy as reaching for your cell phone this month.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation on Wednesday introduced its first-ever holiday texting campaign, in an effort to reach younger donors and ramp up donations during the giving season.
"This is brand new for us, and we're so excited," said Judi Stone, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. "We believe we're part of the medicine for these kids. We're the magic. We've seen kids turn around health wise just from having a wish granted."
Through December, donors can text "WISH" to 90999 to donate $5, Stone said. The texting campaign is running in conjunction with the foundation's 22nd annual Light Up A Child's Life campaign with WISH 99.7-FM radio. Stone said staffers will promote the texting option on the foundation's Facebook page, website and on the radio.
The chapter grants 700 wishes annually to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Wishes typically cost about $3,400, Stone said, and half of all wishes granted are for a trip to Disney World, Disneyland or to a Disney cruise. Children have asked to be granted a shopping spree, a horse, a dog, an outdoor playhouse, swimming pool or to meet a celebrity or athlete, she said.
The organization does not give away cash or cars and will not perform construction, such as home remodeling or additions, Stone said.
The average donor to the chapter is between 45 and 55 and gives $25 to $50, she said.
Cathy Friend has volunteered with Make-A-Wish Foundation for more than two decades.
Friend, of the South Hills, said her two healthy children, wonderful husband and good life made her want to give back to those less fortunate. She trains other volunteers and helps plan children's wishes, including a trip to Disney World next week for a 16-year-old Washington County girl and her family.
"As a mother, I cannot imagine what these families go through, but they deal with all of this with such strength and grace," said Friend, 56. "These children just light up when they have their wishes granted, and it is so rewarding."
