Stories abound of ill children and youth being granted wishes by philanthropic individuals and institutions. And deservedly so. But the Twilight Wish Foundation, in Jamison, takes that concept and applies it to senior citizens, answering desperate needs and fulfilling life-long bucket-list items.

Local resident Cass Forkin established the outreach.

In 2003, she watched a trio of struggling senior women desperately count out funds to cover a dinner bill. Forkin anonymously paid the check.

Inspired by the diners’ grateful reaction — and looking to share that giving spirit — she started searching for other seniors in need of hope and uplift.

With exactly $711 in financial backing, but a crew of dedicated volunteers who shared her vision, she launched the Twilight Wish Foundation.

It is now a national movement that has made more than 4,000 dreams come true for retirees and veterans.

Forkin’s wave of her magic wand has fulfilled dreams that include:

• A park-like fountain in a backyard
• A sock hop hosted by Philadelphia disc jockey Jerry Blavat
• A on-set meeting with 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph
• A cross-country ride in an 18-wheeler

The foundation has also responded to numerous wishes of a more pragmatic nature. It has funded equipment purchases like hospital beds, lift chairs, hearing aids, and HVAC systems.

“It is a way we can say thanks, show respect for those who have spent their lives making wishes and dreams come true for you and me,” Forkin wrote.

She works to make the world “a nicer place to age.”

More on the Twilight Wish Foundation is online.