Organization grants wishes and makes a difference in people’s lives

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BY TIA CAROL JONES

Blair started Grant A Wish to fulfill basic needs. If there were children in schools that needed shoes and coats, Blair would provide those things. The first 50 wishes that were granted were done in Blair’s basement of her home. Since then, Grant A Wish has fulfilled more than 300,000 wishes.

Thomas always wanted to help people and has lived a life of public service. His mother taught him the most important in life was to be of service to people in need. He started to help his mother with the organization by transporting food from the Chicago Food Depository. In 2005, he took over the organization. “We have been making a considerable difference in the time that we’ve been doing that. We’ve fed over 150,000 in the time that we’ve been giving out food over there,” he said.

Thomas said he wanted to keep the organization going because he saw a need and wanted to do something. When his mother would ask people what they needed the most, their answer was food. He added, “when you can’t eat, it’s very difficult to do a lot, if you’re hungry.” He has seen what a difference the organization has made in the lives of the people who have received services from Grant A Wish. He said the people really are the reason why he does what he does.

“If you can see a smile on somebody’s face, when you give them something they otherwise wouldn’t receive, that’s a plus for you,” he said. Grant A Wish has five programs. A food program, a baby program, a school program, a general wish program and a holiday gift program. For the baby program, mothers in need can fill out a form on the orga- nization’s website to receive support. The school program is available to families in need year-round. With the holiday gift program, the organization provides gifts for children in need.

Thomas remembered when his mother was able to bring the body of a young child who drowned in Canada back to the states when the family couldn’t afford to do it. It was something that stuck with him as an example of how the organization helps families in need.

Another time, Thomas helped a young woman who was thinking about giving her baby up for adoption. She ended up keeping the baby.

Thomas said people can help Grant A Wish with in-kind donations. Items like strollers or cribs, toys and playpens that are in good condition can help mothers in need. People also can donate food.

“Money is good, but giving from the heart is even more important,” he said.

In order to do the work he does, Thomas said you have to have love in your heart. He believes people can change other people’s lives with a simple gesture. Also, people should take the time to care about someone other than themselves.

On Saturday, July 22nd, Grant A Wish will host the Grant A Wish Peace Carnival. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Grant A Wish Children and Family Center, located at 1136 E. 93rd St. For more information about Grant A Wish, visit www.grantawishincchicago.org.