Q: Holidays are stressful. Time is constrained. Why give to
Make-A-Wish?

A: Contributing is important because these kids and families should not have to worry about the stress of their illness, especially around the holidays. Hearing what wish kids go through has put a lot of things into perspective. Like, my one stress isn't so bad. And hearing the excitement from these wish families about how their wish puts everything else aside and allows them to have fun — we love that.

Q: What brought you to 
Make-A-Wish?

A: About 10 years ago, we saw a commercial for Make-A-Wish around Giving Tuesday. It made us consider how we can help locally. Our nephew had a congenital heart defect, which was scary and traumatic. His life-threatening condition caused us to look at what support exists for kids and families like his.

It's been a joy getting involved with Make-A-Wish. We see how it helps families get through tough times, how it helps kids, and how it gives them a bright and positive light. We like to be involved in helping with that positivity and life-changing mission.

Q: What are the fun ways you've participated?

A: It's been exciting to see all the variety of ways we can help. We've helped with the Wish Night Gala & Auction committee and Ribbons & Bows, which allows you to put gift baskets or backpacks together for kids waiting for their wishes. We've also attended the luncheon and wish kid art showcases.

We've enjoyed everything, especially being educated on the life cycle of a wish and learning that wishes aren't just for terminal kids. That was a previous misconception.

Q: How has helping Make-A-Wish helped you?

A: Make-A-Wish allows us to direct our time and energy into something that impacts local kids and builds community. We find value in knowing that our support impacts wish families. But Make-A-Wish also feels like a family. We connect with so many people — on staff, on committees, and with the families. It feels communal.

Q: What is the best way to start helping today?

A: We have three ideas.

1 — Be a Ribbons & Bows sponsor, especially around the holidays! We have nine nephews, ranging from 15 to six months old. We make it a fun event for the family, where everyone picks something for the Ribbons & Bows packages for wish kids. It's so impactful for our family, especially during a season when you're already giving gifts. Giving to those in need is what it's all about, and we love extending that opportunity to our family.

2 — Become an airport greet volunteer, especially if you travel a lot (like we do) and know your way around the airport. You can relieve stress for a wish family, either as they depart for their trip or when they return — tired but smiling!

3 — Sit down and develop your plan of giving. Ask yourself: "What can I give — financially or with my time through volunteering? Can I procure something for the Wish Night Gala or ask my company to sponsor a table at the luncheon? Can I donate air miles or get my friends and family to donate, too?"

Make-A-Wish partners with you and helps you think outside the box about giving possibilities. And it all matters. Your giving makes a difference.

Put the meaningful Ribbons & Bows on your holiday season and visit Ways to Help Us - Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington today.