80 wishes postponed, Make-A-Wish of Orange County and the Inland Empire keeping hope alive

“‘Oh my! How are we going to go about postponing various wishes.’ But how are we going to keep hope and inspiration in the minds of those that are being postponed,” said CEO of Make-A-Wish of Orange County and the Inland Empire, Gloria Crockett.

Enter social media. Using the hashtag, “#WishesAreWaiting,” people from around the world can share encouraging messages. One local wish kid himself had a message to share.

“I’m sorry for those of you who didn’t get your Make-a-Wish. I bet you are going to feel so much better when you get your wish and you are going to get your wish soon,” said Crosby, a wish recipient.

Make-A-Wish of Orange County and the Inland Empire has postponed 80 wishes so far and they’re working on a plan to reschedule.

“Our national home office has set up a reemergence task force and that is really looking at how are we going to collectively across the nation, and even our international affiliates, come together to start granting wishes again in a larger number once the restrictions have been lifted,” said Crockett.

But, Crockett said fundraising has been taking a hit.

“We have these wishes that are waiting and we’re going to want to start to move them forward as things get better, because it does so much as it relates to the health of the child, and, you know, a lot of people may not realize that these children really need a lot of inspiration and when they realize they’re going to be getting a wish, it’s their desire to say, ‘oh my gosh, let me get better so I can go on my wish,’” she said.

Even in this uncertain time, Make-A-Wish is keeping hope and inspiration alive, in part through the granting of tangible wishes and virtual events.

For those interested in getting involved through a donation or message of encouragement, visit ocie.wish.org.