ORLANDO, Fla. (December 2018): The Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando invited Kids Wish Network in to help brighten the days of patients who needed a little extra cheer. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, donated $20,000 in new toys, puzzles, educational items, accessories, and necessities for the children in the hospital’s care. The Holiday of Hope event was filled with characters, cupcakes, holiday decorations, Kids Wish Network staff, and volunteers from The Capital Grille.

The toys were set up in the lobby where patients chose their gifts and visited with characters including Spiderman, Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel, Elsa, and Anna, from Once Upon a Party in Orlando. Kids Wish Network staff, volunteers, and characters took toys, games, puzzles, and more to all the children who couldn’t make it to the lobby. The children met and took photos with characters while receiving their gifts from Kids Wish Network.

“We are so grateful for the generosity and support of Kids Wish Network, especially during the holidays when our patients and families can’t celebrate the season in the comfort of their homes,” said Florida Hospital for Children and Florida Hospital for Women Internal Communications Manager Kirsten Cutler.

“The magic of the holidays is something that all kids should experience,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. “Florida Hospital for Children does such a great job with the children in their care, and we appreciate them working with us in bringing back Holiday of Hope to their kids.”

It takes a team of special people to put together such a festive and heartwarming event. We’d like to thank Florida Hospital for Children (Orlando), Once Upon a Party (Orlando) for brightening kids’ days with visits from their favorite characters, volunteers from The Capital Grille (Orlando), and Jillycakes (Winter Park) for graciously providing cupcakes.

For more information on Holiday of Hope events and gift banks, visit our website at https://www.kidswishnetwork.org/programs/holiday-of-hope/.

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides trip expenses, meals, accommodations, and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and find out how you can help make dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.