Erica Rivers, development manager for North Mississippi with Make-A-Wish Mississippi, delivered an address at Thursday’s Greenville Rotary Club luncheon, sharing personal stories and insights into the organization’s impact on children facing life-threatening conditions.
Rivers, who has spent more than a decade in nonprofit work and found her calling at Make-A-Wish, told club members that her own son’s health struggles give her first-hand understanding of “the life-changing power of a wish.” She stressed that “there are 14 kids in the Greenville area right now waiting to get their wishes granted,” and highlighted that the local chapter has granted over 2,700 wishes since its inception 41 years ago.
“Most people think of Disney trips,” Rivers said, “but we’ve helped kids launch non-profits and go on shopping sprees—even Dollar General if that’s their dream. The average wish costs about $6,500.” She explained how the organization partners with hospitals statewide and relies on volunteers to connect children with life-changing experiences, from the coast up through North Mississippi.
Rivers also announced a new local fundraiser, “Taste of the Delta,” featuring regional restaurants and performances to support wishes for area children. Funds raised go directly to the program, with 80 cents of every dollar supporting local wishes, according to Rivers. “We’re a small staff,” she added, noting that donations truly make a difference for Mississippi families.
Rivers invited audience questions and clarified that while Make-A-Wish Mississippi does not currently sponsor hunting trips, children can apply for those experiences through a partner group, Catch a Dream. “Kids can do both, which is wonderful,” she said.
Make-A-Wish Mississippi aims to grant 140 wishes in the upcoming year, up from 120 last year. Rivers credited volunteers and donors for fueling the mission, noting that wish experiences bring “hope and joy” not just to children, but to their families, with nearly all parents reporting improved family well-being after a wish has been granted.
This report was compiled with the assistance of Perplexity AI.
