A high school senior who once was granted a gift from the Make -A-Wish Foundation will hold a toy and backpack drive to help other children who are in need of some happiness in their lives.

Jessi Riddle has a lifelong illness that affects her central nervous system. But when she was in sixth grade, received a wish.

"I am very sick, all the time," Jessi told Patch. "I don't think that there has been one day when I have not been in pain."

She was sent to Disneyworld in 2006, and in seventh grade she became a wish ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Giving back to the foundation is part of the reason Jessi wants to collect the items.

"I wanted to do this because when I made my wish in sixth grade it was the best part of my trip.

"I wanted to donate and make other kids feel special, she said.

On Oct. 7, Jessi will kick off her drive at a 9 a.m. assembly with a speech at her school, the Santa Rosa Academy in Menifee.

"A common misconception is that we grant kids their last dying wish – that they have terminal illnesses ... and that is not the case!" said foundation spokesperson Colleen Donovan.

The backpacks and toys will go to children with life-threatening medical conditions, Donovan said.

It is part of her senior project, a requirement for graduation, but for Jessi it is also a chance to give something back.

At the assembly, she will share the story of her illness and of her Make-A-Wish experience.

The two-week drive will end Oct. 21.

Donation boxes will be set up at her school’s main and west campuses.

“Jessi is really excited about being so hands-on with Make-A-Wish,” said Lynn Riddle, Jessi’s mom. “It gives her the opportunity to help kids who are like her, and at the same time, tell the public what Make-A-Wish is all about.”

According to her mother, someday Jessi wants to work full-time for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“To forget doctors and hospitals for a week and be treated like a princess was magical for Jessi,” Riddle said. “There are no words as a mom that could even express how blessed I felt to see her so happy.

Anyone who wishes to donate backpacks or toys can go to the school’s main campus at 28237 La Piedra Road or to the school’s west campus at 26301 Garbani Road.

For more information, please visit the Make-A-Wish foundation’s website.