Make-A-Wish honors volunteers, 2025 W.I.S.H. Society members at appreciation breakfast

Gulfport, Miss. (WXXV)- Make-A-Wish Mississippi recognized the volunteers and wish-makers that make their mission possible here in South Mississippi earlier this morning.

Awards were handed out in different categories, including Volunteer of the Year and the 2024 W.I.S.H. Society Woman of the Year.

The 2025 W.I.S.H. Society members were also introduced to everyone as their campaign to raise money and Make-A-Wish wraps up in June.

Make-A-Wish leaders in South Mississippi say their mission never stops.

“We started our W.I.S.H. Society during COVID. It was a great way for us to do some fundraising without being face-to-face,” said Shellie Moses, the South Mississippi Director of Make-A-Wish. “For us to have that fundraising during COVID was a game changer for us. We did not miss a beat, we were able to keep granting wishes. Then it was important for our kids to know nobody had forgotten about them.”

“You pray every day for the health of your child. Just thinking what these other families are going through and being able to help them raise money and grant wishes,” said Kelly Lanier, a 2025 W.I.S.H. Society Member. “I think that’s something we all want to get behind and be a part of.”

There are around 30 coast kids still waiting for their wish to come true through Make-A-Wish.

If you’d like to help grant wishes for these kids, visit www.ms.wish.org or call (228) 575-8691.