FROM STAFF REPORTS 

As of Jan. 1, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama will be the single, statewide donation charity partner for America’s Thrift Stores throughout Alabama.

For the past 25 years, three Alabama-based charities have served as donation partners for America’s Thrift Stores in Alabama. “This is a major change for us. The transition to a single charity partner, with Make-A-Wish of Alabama, will allow us to streamline our efforts and deliver a clear single message to both our donors and customers,” Ken Sobaski, president and CEO of America’s Thrift Stores, wrote in a statement. “In this way, we can grow our presence, grow donations and thereby benefit Make-A-Wish throughout Alabama.”

“The funds raised through the donations collected by America’s Thrift Stores will be used to grant even more wishes to Alabama children,” Pam Jones, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Alabama wrote in a statement. “We have granted over 600 wishes to Alabama children in the past five years alone; however, there are many more qualifying children who are waiting on a wish. This partnership with America’s Thrift Stores will enable us to make those dreams of wishes to become a reality.”

Make-A-Wish Alabama is a local, statewide charity that brings hope, strength and joy to Alabama children with life-threatening medical conditions through the gift of a wish. Approximately 130 wishes were granted last year in Alabama; however, there are more than 300 Alabama children who are currently waiting for their own special wish to come true.

America’s Thrift Stores operates 12 stores in Alabama, including one in Alabaster, and has more than 1,300 donation bins, trailers and locations throughout the state to receive gently-used clothing, household goods and furnishings that can be sold through their stores. For more information on America’s Thrift Stores, Make-A-Wish Alabama or the new partnership, visit Donateforwishes.org.