AUSTIN, Texas — Instead of wishing on birthday candles, Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas hopes those celebrating their birthdays make a wish come true for a child this year.

The nonprofit launched its Donate Your Birthday Wish campaign on Sept. 4. The campaign aims to raise funds to help grant wishes to local kids in Central and South Texas. According to the nonprofit, more people celebrate their birthdays in September than any other month of the year.

“There are few experiences more powerful than making a wish come true,” Kathrin Brewer, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas, said. “About 550 kids in our region are diagnosed each year with a critical illness. The generosity and invaluable support of our community helps make it possible to get even closer to our vision of granting a wish to each of these children. Together, we’ll make a lasting impact on the lives of these children, their families, and our communities.”

This past year, the chapter granted 300 wishes, the most in the chapter’s history. As the organization starts its new fiscal year, it aims to raise funds to challenge and surpass that record, by inviting supporters to wish for something they know will come true, and donate their birthday wish to a child who needs it most.

Supporters can fundraise for a wish kid who shares a birthday or start a general campaign to raise money that will go directly to granting wishes for local kids throughout the year.

To make a birthday donation, visit www.yourbirthdaywish.org.