Editor’s note: The following comes from a Tzell press release.

Today, Tzell Travel Group Foundation is announcing that its recent annual charity drive raised more than $80,000. The annual effort concluded on April 1, 2014, and provided an opportunity for Tzell agents, employees and the community to join together in raising funds for select organizations. This year’s charities were chosen by the Foundation’s board of directors and include AmeriCares, The Thirst Project and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

“Due to the overwhelming generosity of those who participated in our annual charity drive, the Tzell Foundation is able to make a profound impact on several worthy charities,” stated Tzell President J.D. O’Hara. “Giving back to our community is a part of who we are at Tzell, and it’s an honor to be involved in such vital partnerships with AmeriCares, The Thirst Project and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.”

Since 2010, every dollar donated to AmeriCares provides $20 in aid. The recent donation made by the Tzell Travel Group Foundation will provide half a million dollars in crucial medicines and medical supplies. These will be delivered to a trusted network of clinics, hospitals and health care providers around the world.

In addition, the Tzell Travel Group Foundation is pleased to have raised sufficient funds to build two freshwater wells – one in Colombia and the other in Swaziland – on behalf of The Thirst Project. After freshwater wells are completed, a water committee within each community will be formed and educated about the importance of hand-washing and proper sanitization. Disease drops by 80% when clean drinking water is brought into a community, and one freshwater well can provide up to 500 people with clean water indefinitely.

Finally, a portion of the proceeds from the recent Tzell Foundation charity drive is making it possible to grant three wishes on behalf of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The first wish was granted to Thomas, a nine-year old boy undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Thomas’ wish was to go to Hawaii with his family, and his wish was granted this past January.

The second wish was granted to six-year old Madison, who is living with sickle cell disease. Madison loves Disney princesses and will be heading to Walt Disney World Resort with her twin sister, mother and grandmother.

The third wish was granted to 12-year old Tyler, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. His wish is to meet the professional soccer team the New York Red Bulls. As Tyler waits for his big day, he is working on a long list of questions that he plans to ask the team and their coach.

“We would like to thank our friends at the Tzell Travel Group Foundation for sponsoring three incredible wishes. It is because of the bigheartedness of the Foundation and their donors that these wishes are made possible,” said Director of Corporate Philanthropy of Make-A-Wish® Metro New York and Western New York, Gail Monaco.

The Tzell Travel Group Foundation is a nonprofit foundation and all donations made are tax-deductible. Since recordkeeping began in 2001, Tzell Travel Group has donated over one-half million dollars to a variety of worthy charities. Those interested in learning more about the Tzell Travel Group Foundation can go to www.tzellfoundation.com.

Agents interested in joining Tzell – and providing the highest quality, most personalized and proactive customer service available should visit Tzell.com.