On Friday afternoon, Anita Wilson’s homeroom class oohed and aahed over the nearly $4,000 check West Lincoln was able to present to Make-A-Wish Mississippi after a five-day campaign.

The third-grade students were amazed at the amount of money they and their fellow students were able to collect. By selling Make-A-Wish stars, West Lincoln cut a check for $3,935 on behalf of the entire West Lincoln community.

“I want to thank the West Lincoln family that donated this money. It’s just awesome,” Misty Martinez, the project organizer, said. “We’ve done it every year, but this year has been our biggest year.”

Jane Walsh, Make-A-Wish Mississippi’s development director, told Wilson’s students about the wonderful opportunity they have given to some sick child.

“It gives their family hope, strength and joy during a difficult time,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without generous people like those in West Lincoln.”

Wilson’s homeroom raised the most money and received a pizza party as a prize. Two other homerooms will receive cookie parties: Allison Hughey’s, a fourth-grade teacher, and Jennifer Case’s, a first-grade teacher.

Walsh said each year Make-A-Wish Mississippi grants approximately 100 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Each wish costs on average $6,500. All donated money serves Mississippi children. She said there are currently several children in this area that could benefit from wishes.