A large number of children in West Virginia diagnosed with life-threatening conditions are going to get their wishes granted.
West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association President Jan Vineyard said in the month of August stars were sold to customers at there stores statewide for a dollar and also held a golf tournament to raise money for kids in West Virginia.
From the money raised in August, OMEGA presented a check to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for $168,507 Tuesday in Charleston.
"This check means that over 40 kids in the state will be going on wishes," said Regional Manager for Make-A-Wish Foundation Marisa Pedro. "What that means for these kids is that they can go and be a kid again. They can smile, they can laugh and the neat thing is the family can be a family again."
Exactly 43 kids in West Virginia will get their wish granted thanks to the donations. The wishes made by these kids involve many different areas.
"Everything from being a mayor for a day, to be a fireman, to going to see a sports team, but Disney World is the number one wish," said Vineyard.
The entire check amount given to the foundation will go towards granted the wishes.
"It’s a very humbling experience and it’s awesome to be a part of it because you can walk into some of these stores and the walls, even the fountain areas are just covered with stars," said Pedro. "I’m just overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that we get for the foundation."
Since 2003 OMEGA has donated around $1.5 million to West Virginia children.
Vineyard said the amount raised is tremendous and it just shows what a difference people can make with putting forth just a little bit of effort.