Come April, a new group of Make-A-Wish Foundation organizers in Greenwood hope to have collected a bunch of fund-raisers and wish-granters and to have started plans for a fund-raiser.
"We want to have something nailed down for what we are going to do for money and for wishes," said Jane Walsh, the state foundation's Ridgeland-based community development coordinator.
Volunteers brainstormed with Make-A-Wish staff members during a meeting Tuesday evening at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity. They had responded to public announcements inviting potential volunteers to the gathering.
Among those attending the meeting was T.J. McSparrin of Green-ville, the Mississippi president.
Make-A-Wish has similar groups in other parts of the state, and the one in Greenwood can expect to meet quarterly.
Training will be available for wish-granters, who would be working with families of children who are ill.
Emily Gnemi, a volunteer, has been a wish-granter for four years.
Dale Riser, another volunteer, said Make-A-Wish appeals to him. "It is such a great cause.," he said.
McSparrin emphasized that doctors report that receiving the wishes helps children medically. The children, although coping with potentially fatal diseases and conditions, also have a chance of recovery.
Anticipating and receiving a wish provides a positive experience, giving "hope, strength and joy," she said.
The foundation grants wishes at no charge. Most cost around $5,000, Walsh said. A trip to Disney World is the most requested wish.
Over the years in Greenwood, Make-A-Wish children have gone to Disney World, received a drum set and toys, among other items.
Most wishes fall into four major categories, according to a written release from the foundation. These are "I want to go …," "I want to be …," "I want to meet …," and "I want a … ."
Currently, Make-A-Wish has 73 Mississippi children with life-threatening medical conditions who are waiting to have their wishes granted, Walsh said.
On the list are one child from Leflore County, two from Carroll, one from Tallahatchie and one from Sunflower.
More than 900 wishes have been granted since Mississippi Make-A-Wish was started in 1984, Walsh said.
Over the past five years, Make-A-Wish has granted 35 wishes for children in Carroll, Leflore, Montgomery, Sunflower and Tallahatchie counties. Walsh said no children from Holmes County were served during that period.
- To request a wish or to volunteer to help, call the Ridgeland Make-A-Wish office at 1-800-819-4072. The foundation's Web site is www.wishms.org.
