Kids for Wish Kids

Kids For Wish Kids^® is a Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of the Texas Plains program that enables students to discover philanthropy by selecting their own fundraising project and managing it from start to finish, with little or no help from their teachers. Students develop leadership skills, build self-esteem and learn about teamwork while working towards a final goal, making a difference in the life of a child who is fighting overwhelming odds.

Kids For Wish Kids program objectives:

• Increase awareness among children and teenagers about the mission of Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Texas Plains
• Encourage young people to become actively involved in fulfilling wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Texas Plains
• Foster the value of community service, using this program as a hands-on learning experience for children
• Create school spirit and help students learn how to work together for a common goal

Project Ideas:

• Sell Spirit Chains - Students can create a paper chain in school colors with links sold for $1 each. Use them to decorate the hallways or gymnasium.
• Coordinate a “Superstars for Wishes” Event - A committee of students can cut out stars made of construction paper or purchase special Wish Stars directly from the Foundation. Students purchase the stars and write their wishes on them. The committee hands the stars in a popular area of the school, such as a hallway or cafeteria.
• Sell Candy Grams - Kids can write messages to friends and teachers that will be delivered during the school day. Each message will be accompanied by a piece of candy. Candy-grams work especially well around the holiday.
• Hold Student/Teacher Games - Organize basketball, softball, volleyball or flag football games between students and teachers. Charge admission and sell refreshments. You can also hold a raffle during the games.
• Have a Penny War - Arrange for a contest between grades or homerooms to collect the most pennies. Silver coins and dollar bills can be put in opposing team’s containers to count against the pennies. Have prizes such as a “pig-out party” with “P” foods: pizza, popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, etc. You may want to find a bank that is willing to count pennies.
• Host a Dance Marathon - Reserve the school gymnasium and ask a local DJ to donate his or her services. Have students pair up and obtain pledges from relatives and friends. Determine a length of time for the event (for instance, five hours).
• Pie-in-the-Face - What students wouldn’t contribute a few dollars to throw a pie in their teacher’s face? Of course, you have to get the teachers to agree to participate first!
• Announce a Dress-Down Day - If your school has a dress code, find out if students can contribute a small fee to wear casual colthes for the day. Teachers can participate, too! 

You can try one of these ideas or devise a project on your own!

[You can find more ideas at http://www.wish.org/help/fundraising/kids_for_wish_kids]

To receive a Kids For Wish Kids program packet or for more information, please contact:

Megan Szydloski, Community Relations Specialist
806-358-9943
Toll Free (Texas Only) at 800-242-7167
megan@texasplains.wish.org