ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Sometimes, a donut isn't just a sweet treat. On Friday morning, the Dunkin' location in Elmira Heights celebrated the launch of one of its annual campaigns to help Make-A-Wish of Western New York.
Southern Tier Wish kid, Serenity, and her mother came out to the launch event to talk about how Make-A-Wish helped them and how it can continue to help other families too.
Six-year-old Serenity was born with Biliary Atresia, a disease of the liver. At just three-months-old, she received liver surgery which, was unsuccessful and led to further complications. Because of those issues, Serenity then needed to endure open heart surgery before she was able to receive a liver transplant.
However, none of this stops her from having fun and enjoying her life as a kid. Some of that fun has been possibly because of help from Make-A-Wish.
For years, Make-A-Wish of Western New York has helped to grant wishes to around 3,700 children in the area who are battling critical illnesses.
Earlier this year in March, the organization was able to grant her wish of going to Disney.
When asked what she thought of the trip, Serenity said, "[It was] Really fun. I did a lot of stuff there and I've seen Mickey and Minnie. Then, I saw some animals."
In order to continue granting wishes to kids like Serenity, Make-A-Wish is teaming up with Dunkin' for their annual donut charity campaign. Guests who donate one dollar to Make-A-Wish at checkout will get a special donut. All funds go to the organization.
"These funds go right to Make-A-Wish and then they trickle right down into communities just like ours for kids that are right here in our communities," said Abbey Celeste, the Director of Marketing for the Bapa Network who own several Dunkin locations in the area. "So, our customers, our guests, they are the backbones of this program and we are just so appreciative that they continue to support the program year after year."
Friday morning marked the official launch of the donut campaign in the Elmira Heights store.
Serenity and her mother helped to celebrate by decorating donuts and talking about the impact that Make-A-Wish has had on their family. They also talked about how charitable campaigns like this continue to allow Make-A-Wish to help others.
"I just think everyone should definitely support it," said Shanticka Crawford, Serenity's Mother. "It's great. They are like family to the kids, they make sure you're comfortable. They walk through each step with us. I was never alone. Any time you call them, they're right there for you and they're great people so, use your resources."