Sam’s goal was to create 100 kits that would provide much needed items for re-entry into their homes after a shift, personal hygiene items that are hard to find, and gift cards for food to local restaurants and grocery stores. Through the generosity of our community Sam was able to donate 120 kits to healthcare workers and additionally, he was able to donate 100 mini kits which included some of the items off his wish list, as well as gift cards. 
 
Last Wednesday, April 29th which was World Wish Day, Sam’s wish kits were distributed to frontline healthcare workers at Presbyterian Hospital, Lovelace Medical Center, and UNMH! 
 
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Make-A-Wish. The mission of Make-A-Wish is to grant life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses and to provide strength, hope, and joy at a time when it is needed most. Sam’s selfless act to give his wish back has provided hope to our entire community as everyone comes together to support our healthcare heroes.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated to the wish kits,” said Wish kid, Sam. “I could never have imagined how many people would help out to honor our healthcare workers. I am so glad that we were able to exceed the goal of 100 kits and I hope these items will be helpful to each person who receives one.” 

Sam’s wish would not have been possible without the generosity of so many in the community! A special thanks to The Jennifer Riordan Foundation and Clay & Shawna Holderman for sponsoring Sam’s wish, as well as to the countless community members who donated at the collection sites, those that sent in e-gift cards and mailed in donations, and everyone that shared our posts on social media. There were also a handful of businesses and individuals who made large donations of items anonymously along with the list of companies below to whom we are forever grateful for.  If you are able to support any of the businesses below, you can do so knowing that even during this difficult time, they helped pay-it-forward to ensure that Sam’s wish came true. 

100.3 The Peak 
Albuquerque Fire Rescue 
Albuquerque Police Department 
Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria & Vino
Annapurna's World Vegetarian Café 
Bahama Buck's at 8810 Holly Ave. NE 
Bahama Buck's at 4411 San Mateo Blvd. NE, E12 
Bar-B-Q 
Beiersdorf 
Brickyard Pizza 
Café Lush 
Canteen Brewhouse 
Celina's Biscochitos 
Chick-fil-A Coors 
Chipotle Mexican Grill 
Costco at 500 Eubank Blvd. SE 
Cottonwood Mall 
D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro 
Dave & Buster's 
Desert Valley Brewing Company 
Dion's 
Doghouse 
El Patio De Albuquerque 
Electric Playhouse 
Flying Star Café 
Garcia's Kitchen 
Girl Scouts of America 
Haley Jenae Skincare and Bodywork 
Happy Chickenzz 
KFC 
Los Poblanos 
Lowe's at 6200 Paseo del Norte NE 
Moving Mountains Leather Company 
M'tuccis 
Olive Garden 
O'Niell's Pub 
Piñon Coffee House 
Revel Burger 
Rio Rancho Police Department 
Ripe Inc. 
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q 
Ruthie's Bagels 
SA BBQ 
Sam's Club at 10600 Coors Bypass NW 
Santa Fe Spirits 
Shamrock Foods Inc. 
Slow Roasted Bocadillos 
Sonic Drive-In 
Taco Bell 
Target at 9371 Coors Blvd. NW 
Target at 4225 Crestview Dr. SE 
Target at 6100 Paseo del Norte NE 
The Range 
Tucanos Brazilian Grill 
Two Fools Tavern 
UHAUL 
Urban Hotdog Company 
Zendo Art and Coffee