When Eric Lardy began looking for meaningful ways to spend his time, volunteering with Make-A-Wish Arizona stood out as a way to bring lasting hope and joy to children and families facing critical illness. 

“It’s something wonderful to look forward to — being able to provide something that you know is going to be a memory for life,” he said. 

Since becoming a volunteer, Eric has seen how wishes create moments of connection for wish kids and their families throughout the wish journey, from wish discovery to airport send-offs. 

“I’ve seen these kids before and after their wishes,” he said. “The energy, the positivity and the joy — it’s incredible.” 

After retiring early, Eric found himself with time he wanted to use intentionally. Volunteering with Make-A-Wish Arizona became a natural fit. 

Make-A-Wish was the first organization he thought of when he decided to give back. 

“I knew in the back of my mind that Make-A-Wish was granting dreams to families and kids that are struggling,” he said. “It made me think, ‘Wow, that’s incredible.’” 

Eric quickly became involved in different parts of the wish journey and appreciates how flexible the volunteer roles can be. 

“There’s so many needs,” he said. “I go through the menu of what the needs are. Shopping spree — yeah, I can help with that.” 

Through those experiences, Eric has seen how wishes often impact more than just the wish kid. 

“I’ve seen quite a few times where the wish kid is really thinking about their brothers and sisters,” he said. “This isn’t about me. This is about a we.” 

That sense of family and community resonates deeply with Eric, who grew up in a small town. That background continues to influence how he approaches volunteering today. 

“I actually go through the wish kids list and see where they’re from,” he said. “I am a little biased toward kids in those kinds of communities, because that’s similar to where I grew up and know the impact it can have.” 

While Eric volunteers to support wish families, he is open about how meaningful the experience has been for him as well. 

“I’ve probably gotten more out of the volunteering than I’ve given,” he said. “Because I get a lot.” 

For anyone considering volunteering, Eric encourages starting simply. 

“Selfishly, you’re likely going to get more out of this than what you’re going to give,” he said. “From the very first wish, I started to feel like I was doing something good, and it just kind of snowballed.” 

Today, Eric continues to offer his time through Make-A-Wish Arizona, grateful for the opportunity to give back and be part of moments that stay with families long after a wish is granted. 

“If I can help these families and these kiddos and the team,” he said, “that’s very rewarding for me.”