HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE -- Make-A-Wish Mid-South had a "great response" to its Second Annual Make-A-Wish Bucket Brigade and the KVRE Wish-a-Thon in October, according to Melanie Pederson, Wish granter/captain.
Pederson coordinated the event with the help of Cyrie Wright, KVRE and several volunteers. Pederson, in a news release, praised the volunteers, saying "their dedication and willingness to stand outside in the sun holding buckets to collect money helped us raise $7,017. Additional donations through the KVRE website helped us reach our goal of $10,000 which means HSV is going to grant a Village Wish kid's Wish! A special thank you to Clampit's for donating lunches for the 30 volunteers during the Bucket Brigade and to KVRE for their sponsorship."
Leslie Humphrey, development officer for Make-A-Wish Mid-South. said the response from the Villagers was "very heartwarming and once we can grant the local HSV Wish (on hold due to COVID-19), I expect a proper HSV celebration."
Jerry Jamrich, a longtime Wish granter, said, "as a Wish granter, I have observed just how life-changing a child's illness is to the entire family and I have also seen the 'power of a Wish.' Some parents have to quit their jobs, some siblings may have to live with relatives, sometimes in a different state or go to different school. In every way, it affects the entire family and the list of other issues seem to have no end. A Wish is a break from those concerning issues and a reason for the entire family to be excited. It's 'well-timed good news' and certainly something positive rather than facing another problem. A Wish can give a Wish child motivation and optimism to move forward."
"The power of a Wish is truly a special moment that all will remember," the release said.
To donate, visit the KVRE website, scroll down and click on the Make-A-Wish Mid-South logo. To learn more about Make-A-Wish, visit https://wish.org select and click on Local, select and click on Make-A-Wish Mid-South, Arkansas office.