Make-A-Wish kids are wishing it forward this holiday season through a motivational hotline

Make-A-Wish wants to spark hope this holiday season with the debut of The Holiday Wish Line, a telephone hotline with messages recorded by wish kids designed to give callers a moment of joy as they navigate the holiday season.

From now through Dec. 31, the hotline will give callers a break from everyday stress with messages to inspire togetherness and maintain the festive spirit.

The holidays are often associated with joy and celebration, but they can also bring about a range of stress. Whether it's holiday travel delays, the rush to find the perfect last-minute gift, or the desire to be closer to friends and family, the holidays come with unique challenges that can be overwhelming for even the biggest holiday lover. But The Holiday Wish Line is just a phone call away.

"Hope is essential for wish kids and their families as they face the unimaginable," said Stephanie Springs, CEO of Make-A-Wish Illinois. "The Holiday Wish line is a delightful way for wish kids to share the joy they have received with our supporters, demonstrating the true power of wishes."

The Hotline

Six wish kids, who have all battled a critical illness, will provide kid-friendly advice, stories, and funny moments from Dec. 4 through Dec. 31 via phone at (312) 685-4595. Callers will be asked to select from a series of prompts upon calling the hotline to listen to messages from:

• Jasper, a 5-year-old with chronic respiratory failure, who wished for a backyard playset;

• Brantley, a 7-year-old with a heart condition, wanted to see snow and wished to build a snowman with his family;

• Annabelle, a 9-year-old with cystic fibrosis, wished to skate with her favorite hockey team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights;

• Ava, an 11-year-old with a heart condition, learned first-hand what it takes to be a content creator for her wish;

• Fernie, an 11-year-old with cancer, who, as an avid athlete, wished for a batting cage in his backyard; and

• Holin, a 10-year-old, whose love for music landed her onstage with her favorite singer.

Proceeds raised through the holiday season will make it possible for more wish kids like Jasper, Brantley, Annabelle, Ava, Fernie, and Holin to experience the long-lasting impact of a wish.

Wishes can serve as an important turning point in the lives of wish kids. In fact, wish alumni, who are many years removed from their wish, say that the wish helped them to not only feel better but also get better. Medical professionals agree that a wish can be a powerful intervention that leads to better health outcomes and quality of life.

Several Make-A-Wish Illinois partners continue to showcase support this holiday season through local wish-granting, consumer promotions, employee engagement, and corporate donations in several sectors nationwide. The list of partners that are activating during the timeframe includes:

• 900 North Michigan Shops and Aster Hall will be hosting a Hot Chocolate Bar for holiday shoppers every Friday beginning Dec. 1 that will benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois.

• Through Jan. 2, 2024, with every new Subaru purchased or leased at Autobarn Subaru of Countryside and other participating Subaru retailers nationwide, Subaru will donate $250 to the customer's choice of charities, including Make-A-Wish.

To learn more about the voices of the hotline and how you can help grant more wishes this giving season, visit wish.org/wishline.