Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What percentage of my donation goes directly to granting wishes?
A. Approximately 81% of every dollar you contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South is used directly to help grant wishes. This percentage far exceeds the standard upheld by organizations monitoring the work of charities.
Q. Does “life-threatening” mean “terminal?”
A. No. A life-threatening illness is not necessarily a terminal illness. Many of our wish children go on to lead healthy lives, remembering fondly the wish that in many cases was an integral part of their healing process.
Q. How much does it cost a family to have a wish granted?
A. Nothing. There is no cost to the family, we take care of everything.
Q. What can a child wish for?
A. We like to say that a wish is only limited by a child’s imagination; however, some restrictions do apply to protect the safety of the child.
Q. How old does a child have to be to have a wish granted?
A. The child must be older than 2 1/2 and younger than 18 at the time they are referred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South to have a wish granted.
Q. Can the child’s family participate in the wish?
A. Yes, the wish experience extends to the entire, immediate family living in the home, knowing that parents and siblings want to share in the magic too.
Q. What are the medical criteria for having a wish granted?
A. To qualify for a wish, the child must have a diagnosed illness that is considered to be life-threatening by their physician. We do consider wishes on a case-by-case basis, so it is always best to contact us if there is a question as to whether a child qualifies.
Q. Can a child qualify for a wish if they have received one from another wish-granting organization?
A. No, a child that has received a wish from another wish granting organization is not eligible for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.
Q. How do I refer a child?
A. Please click here to complete an online wish referral form (Please note: you will be connected to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America website, www.wish.org) or contact us at 800-264-9474.
Q. Does the family have to know I am referring their child?
A. Yes, the family must be aware that the referral is being made.
Q. Does the family’s financial status matter?
A. No, the economic background of the child and their family has no bearing on whether or not a wish is granted. The only qualifying factors are age and medical condition.
Q. Are all wishes publicized?
A. No, families can choose whether they will allow publicity of the wish. We always respect their need for privacy.
Q. What if a child has special medical needs during a wish?
A. If a child has special medical needs during a wish, they are discussed with the physician and family beforehand and provided for by the Foundation as needed.
Q. Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation® telemarket?
A. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® does not, under any circumstances, engage telemarketers to raise money, despite sometimes being confused with other organizations that do. In fact, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has a nationwide policy against telephone and door-to-door solicitation. There are a number of other sound-alike organizations – some also with “wish” in their names. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® has no affiliation with any other wish-granting organization. If you receive a call from someone asking for a donation, that person does not represent the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.
Q. Can I donate my airline mileage to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®?
A. Yes. Your donation of airline mileage can help us grant thousands of travel wishes. To donate your miles, please click here. (Please note: you will be connected to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America web site where your gift will be designated for the Mid-South Chapter based on your zip code).
Q. Can my financial contribution be tax deductible?
A. Yes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As such, financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the extent of tax deductibility.
Q. How do I become a volunteer?
A. Please contact Felisha Baquera in Arkansas at fbaquera@midsouth.wish.org or at 501-376-9474 or Anne Taylor in TN/MS at ataylor@midsouth.wish.org or at 901-692-9511.
Q. Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation® participate in chain letter wishes?
A. No. Each day, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® and its chapters receive hundreds of inquiries about chain letters claiming to be associated with the Foundation and featuring sick children. However, we do not participate in these kinds of wishes. Some names associated with these wishes are: Jessie Anderson, Shane Bernier, Chad Briody , Amy Bruce, Jeff DeLeon, Rhyan Desquetado, Anthony Hebrank, LaNisha Jackson, Nikisha Johnson, Craig Sheldon, Craig Shelford, Craig Shelton, Craig Sheppard, Craig Shergold, Bryan Warner and Kayla Wightman. Please click here if you’d like more information about chain letters.
If you have any additional questions not addressed here, please do not hesitate to contact us at 800-264-9474.
Chi Omega chapters have volunteered more than 139,000 hours. To date, Chi Omega has raised more than $2.3 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® and granted more than 350 wishes.
