Make a Wish brings back Holiday Wish Line
Salisbury, Md. – Make a Wish America is bringing back its Holiday Wish Line from December 8 to December 31.
Callers who call the Holiday Wish Line will hear pre-recorded messages from six children in the Make A Wish program as part of its “Wishful Giving” campaign. Lesli Creedon, the CEO and president of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic said the program helps empower the children sharing their stories and creates community for those experiencing loss, hardship or stress this holiday season.
“As a mother of a former wish child myself, to know that there is a community out there that hears and learns about what your family is going through,” Creedon said. “And just by having that known and your experience be told, brings you just a good deal of peace knowing that there’s a community of support around you.”
She also said that the children themselves are helped by the sharing of their message, increasing their confidence and emotional well-being which helps in improving their physical health.
“Our wish kids have battled critical illnesses with courage and grace,” Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make–A–Wish America, said in a statement. “Their messages reflect a depth of humor and hope that only they can share. For those feeling overwhelmed or in need of a smile, their voices are a powerful reminder that joy can be found even in the hardest times.”
She said that for those struggling during the holiday season, hearing messages from children facing hardship with resilience by sharing joyful stories of their “granted” wishes, can help encourage positivity and curb loneliness. She said that when her son was battling leukemia, she “looked for the silver lining” and tried to find even small things to be grateful for on hard days. She said that she felt supported by her community, both locally and nation wide through the sharing of her message.
Creedon encouraged those that are doing through hardship or for who the holiday season causes stress or sadness to reach out and “lean on community.”
Callers can reach the hot line at 480-914-9474 (WISH).
