PRIVACY • RESPECT • TRANSPARENCY
Privacy & Website Policies
Families trust Halo’s Wish with personal stories and information. We take that responsibility seriously and aim to collect only what we need, use it for clear purposes, protect it appropriately and treat every family with dignity and respect.
PRIVACY POLICY
How we handle information
This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through the Halo’s Wish website, online forms and related digital services that link to this policy. It also explains how information submitted through those services may be used in connection with wishes, donations, volunteering, partnerships, events and general inquiries.
Information we may collect
The information we collect depends on how you interact with Halo’s Wish. It may include:
- Contact information, such as your name, email address, telephone number and mailing address.
- Inquiry information you choose to provide when contacting us.
- Nomination and wish information, such as information about a nominated child, parent or legal guardian, family circumstances, eligibility information and information reasonably necessary to evaluate or fulfill a wish.
- Volunteer, partner and event information, including interests, availability, organization or business information and event participation details.
- Donation information, such as donor contact information, donation amount and transaction details. Payment card information should be handled by our payment-processing provider rather than stored by Halo’s Wish when a third-party processor is used.
- Website and technical information, such as IP address, browser type, device information, referring pages and general website activity when collected by our hosting, security or analytics services.
How we use information
We may use information to:
- respond to questions and requests;
- review nominations and determine appropriate next steps;
- plan, coordinate and fulfill approved wishes;
- process and acknowledge donations;
- coordinate volunteers, partners, sponsors and events;
- communicate about Halo’s Wish activities when you have asked to receive those communications;
- operate, secure, troubleshoot and improve our website and services;
- maintain appropriate organizational, accounting and compliance records; and
- protect our organization, families, volunteers, donors and community from fraud, misuse or security threats.
How we share information
Halo’s Wish does not sell personal information. We may share information only when reasonably necessary for our work, including with:
- authorized volunteers, officers or team members who need the information to perform their responsibilities;
- service providers that support website hosting, email, forms, data storage, donation processing, security, communications or similar operational needs;
- wish-related vendors or community partners when information is needed to coordinate an approved experience;
- professional advisers or authorities when reasonably necessary to comply with law, protect safety, prevent fraud or protect legal rights; and
- other parties when you or an authorized parent or legal guardian have given appropriate permission.
We expect service providers handling personal information for us to use it only for the services they provide and to protect it appropriately.
Cookies and analytics
Our website may use essential cookies or similar technologies needed for security and normal website operation. If we add analytics, embedded media, advertising or other optional technologies that collect additional information, we will evaluate whether additional notice or consent controls are appropriate and update this policy as needed.
Data security
We use reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the information we maintain. These may include access controls, strong authentication, secure hosting, encryption where appropriate, software updates, backups, limited access to sensitive records and appropriate procedures for responding to suspected security incidents.
No website, email system or method of electronic storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. For that reason, we also try to limit the amount and sensitivity of information collected through general website forms.
Data retention
We keep personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to maintain appropriate organizational records, to meet legal or accounting obligations, to resolve disputes or to protect the organization and the families we serve. Information that is no longer reasonably needed should be securely deleted, destroyed or de-identified when practical.
Your choices and requests
You may contact us to ask about personal information you previously provided, request a correction, ask us to stop optional communications or request deletion when appropriate. Some information may need to be retained for legitimate operational, legal, accounting, safety or recordkeeping purposes.
To make a privacy request, email info@haloswish.org. We may need to take reasonable steps to verify that a request comes from the individual concerned or an authorized parent or legal guardian.
Third-party websites and services
Our website may link to third-party websites, social media platforms, payment processors or other services. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies. Halo’s Wish is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of services we do not control.
Changes to this policy
We may update these policies as our programs, website or legal obligations change. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date and, when appropriate, provide additional notice.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Extra care with information about children
Halo’s Wish serves children and families, but our website and online forms are intended to be used by adults. Children should not submit personal information directly through the website.
Information about a child should be submitted by a parent, legal guardian or another adult acting through an authorized nomination process. Before collecting or using sensitive information about a child beyond what is reasonably needed to begin a nomination, Halo’s Wish may require involvement or authorization from a parent or legal guardian.
We seek to limit child and family information to what is reasonably necessary to review, coordinate and fulfill a wish. Public sharing of a child’s name, story, photograph, video, medical information or other identifying details is handled separately and, when appropriate, requires permission from a parent or legal guardian.
PHOTO & STORY USE
Respect comes before publicity
Photos, videos and family stories can help our community understand the impact of a wish, but participation in publicity is not a condition of receiving support unless a specific event or activity clearly requires photography or recording and that fact is disclosed in advance.
Children and families
- We seek appropriate permission before intentionally publishing an identifiable child’s photo, video, voice or personal story.
- For minors, permission should come from a parent or legal guardian authorized to provide it.
- Permission to participate in a wish is separate from permission to use photos, video or personal stories publicly.
- We aim to avoid publishing unnecessary medical details, precise home locations, school information or other information that could create a privacy or safety risk.
- We do not intentionally publish embedded location information from photos when it could identify a private or sensitive location.
Events and group settings
At public or community events, photography or video may occur. When practical, we will provide notice that photography or recording is taking place. Individuals with privacy concerns should contact an event organizer so reasonable accommodations can be discussed.
Changing your mind
If you previously gave permission and later want Halo’s Wish to stop using a photo, video or story in future materials, contact info@haloswish.org. We will make reasonable efforts to stop future use under our control. Material already printed, distributed, published by third parties or incorporated into completed media may not always be retrievable.
WEBSITE TERMS
Using this website
By using this website, you agree to use it lawfully and in a way that does not interfere with the website, our organization or other visitors.
Information, nominations and wishes
Website content is provided for general informational purposes. Submitting a nomination, inquiry or other form does not guarantee eligibility, approval, funding or fulfillment of a wish. Decisions regarding nominations and wishes depend on the program’s current criteria, resources, safety considerations and available support.
Nothing on this website is medical, legal, financial or other professional advice. Families should rely on qualified professionals for those matters.
Content and intellectual property
Unless otherwise indicated, website text, original graphics, branding and other original content are owned by or used with permission by Northeast Region Camping Charity / Halo’s Wish. You may share links to our public pages, but you may not misrepresent our content, use our name or branding to imply an endorsement, or reuse protected content in a misleading or commercial manner without permission.
External links
Links to other websites are provided for convenience or reference. A link does not necessarily mean that Halo’s Wish endorses or controls the linked organization, product, service, privacy practices or content.
Website availability
We work to keep information accurate and the website available, but we cannot promise that every page will always be current, complete or uninterrupted. We may update, remove or change website content and functionality as needed.
ACCESSIBILITY
A website intended for everyone
Halo’s Wish is committed to making our website and digital information usable by as many people as reasonably possible, including people who use assistive technologies.
As the website evolves, our goal is to follow recognized accessibility practices, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA where reasonably applicable. We work toward clear headings, keyboard-accessible navigation, readable contrast, meaningful alternative text, labeled form controls and content that can be understood without relying on color alone.
If you have difficulty accessing information or using a feature on this website, please contact us at info@haloswish.org. Tell us which page or feature caused difficulty and, if possible, the format or accommodation that would help. We will make reasonable efforts to provide the information or assistance you need.
QUESTIONS
Contact us about these policies
For questions about privacy, photo use, website terms, accessibility or information you previously provided, contact:
Northeast Region Camping Charity
d/b/a Halo’s Wish
Email: info@haloswish.org
You may also use our Contact Us page for general inquiries. Please do not include medical records, financial account information, Social Security numbers, passwords or other highly sensitive information in a general message.