Officially Jacob's Day

Wish granters came to the Make-A-Wish Northeast New York wish kid’s Schenectady home to give him his wish – an iPad with his accessories. But there was more. 

The city’s Mayor, Gary R. McCarthy, was also on hand to present the family with a proclamation, stating this day was officially “Jacob Lall Day” in Schenectady. In addition, the clock tower at City Hall would be lit in Make-A-Wish blue in his honor that night. 

“It’s always a pleasant side of the job,” the mayor said of taking part in the wish. 

And there was still more for this 8-year-old. His original transportation-themed wish – he loves everything involving wheels – had to be shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

So, the wheels were brought to him in the form of a surprise parade past his home involving police, fire and sheriff’s vehicles, a CDTA trolley bus, and volunteers in decorated cars.

“This is the first time we have ever done this type of parade,” Make-A-Wish Northeast New York CEO William C. Trigg, III, said. 

Jacob, whose favorite song is “Wheels On the Bus,” grew excited as the parade rolled by, to the joy of grateful wish mom Laura. 

“It made me cry. He made me cry,” she said. “I knew he would jump up once he saw the bus. He loves the bus. 

The mom said the wish and surprise parade made Jacob’s day officially perfect. 

“Thank you to Make-A-Wish for making this day happen and making him so happy,” she said. “Thank you to the mayor, the police – everyone – thank you for all these blessings today.” 

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