Airline Mile Donation Could Change a Life

Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with critical medical conditions throughout Virginia, has found a new way for people to contribute to the program. As the number of children awaiting wishes grows, the organization has identified a need for donated airline miles to aid in granting local wishes.

Air travel is often required for children with wishes to visit specific destinations, to meet celebrities, or to attend a sporting event. About 80% of local wishes require air travel, making it the nonprofit's largest expense. Donated miles help the organization offset travel costs and provide donors a unique way to be a part of granting life-changing wishes for local children.

"Travel wishes are more than a trip – in fact, research shows children who experience a wish can build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight a critical illness," said Sheri Lambert, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. "Nearly 250 children throughout Virginia are currently waiting for their wish, and anyone can be a part of granting wishes by contributing their unused airline miles."

Once donated to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, airline miles never expire. Travelers can donate airline miles from American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue at va.wish.org/miles.