As of September 2025, wish families book their own transportation using the guidance in their Make-A-Wish travel packets and, as needed, from their wish coordinator. The stipend will be included on the wish family’s Make-A-Wish credit card with other travel stipend funds.

We have transitioned to providing a stipend for airport ground transportation from limousine/car service to maximize our supporters’ contributions to fulfill wishes for more wish children. Wish families are able to choose a flexible transportation option that works best for them to get to/from their airport and home. Options will include parking, rideshare, taxicab, or transportation by a family member or friend. Stipends will vary based on the option chosen and the distance to/from their airport and home. For safety and security, there is no change to our current policy that prohibits volunteers from transporting wish participants anywhere.

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Wish Coordinators will continue to offer and book limousine/car service for wish participants with physical mobility needs, such as wheelchairs, and for non-airport ground transfers in Illinois, including to/from shopping sprees, sporting events, concerts, and other events. Additionally, we will continue to offer wish families who live more than 1.5 hours from an airport the option to stay at a hotel the night before, with hotel stay and parking covered by Make-A-Wish Illinois and/or our generous hotel partners.

Ground transfers at travel destinations (not to/from local airport and home) will continue to be arranged our assisting Make-A-Wish chapter and/or vendor partners.