COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As Ohioans make plans for their 2015 state income tax refunds, they have an opportunity to voluntarily designate a portion to help grant the wishes of area kids battling life-threatening medical conditions. Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana is encouraging the community to "Checkoff for Children's Wishes" on their state income tax returns, which will place their donated amount into a special fund that benefits sick kids.

"This 'Checkoff for Children's Wishes' program is an easy, high-impact way to help grant the wishes of kids in our local communities," said Doug Kelly, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. "A wish is an essential part of the treatment process for a child. In fact, three of four parents say that it marks the turning point in that kid's fight."

The Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) will collect the voluntary contributions from taxpayers, formally listed as "Wishes for Sick Children" on line 26e of the Ohio personal income tax 1040 form.  The ODT will then transfer such funds to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), which will administer the competitive grant program. Organizations like Make-A-Wish will then be able to apply to ODH to use these funds to grant the wishes of Ohio children who are between two-and-a-half and 18 years old and have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition.  

To contribute to this fund, taxpayers need to:

• Check off the "Wishes for Sick Children" fund on line 26e of the 2015 Ohio income tax return form 1040 or ask a tax preparer to do so on your behalf
• Indicate the one-time voluntary donation amount you would like to give
• File your return by April 18, 2016

If you are not expecting a refund, but would like to donate to Wishes for Sick Children, you may do so by visiting oki.wish.org/checkoff.

"Wishes are powerful, lasting medicine for a child," Kelly said. "Wishes also help strengthen families and bring communities together."

Wishes are granted through the support of the local community. For more information on ways to help, visit Ohio.Wish.org, call 1-877-206-9474 and follow Make-A-Wish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @makeawishohkyin.

About Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana
Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Currently, there are over 800 children in Ohio eligible for a wish. You can help share the power of a wish® by making a donation, volunteering, or referring a child. For more information, visit our website at Ohio.Wish.org or call 1-877-206-9474.

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SOURCE Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana