Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia has granted more than 20,500 wishes to children with critical illnesses since forming in May 1983.

Of those, more than 500 Butler County children have been on the receiving end of a wish.

A news release from the local Make-A-Wish said granting wishes can have the power to build the physical and emotional strength a child needs to fight, and often overcome, their illness.

To celebrate 40 years of granting wishes and to honor children who have received a wish, Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia is asking residents to donate $40 in their “40 Years of Wishes” campaign.

Donations can be made at wish.org/greaterpawv/40yearsofwishes or by mailing a check to Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Inc., The Gulf Tower, 707 Grant St., 37th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1938.