Volunteer
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Join a caring community of volunteers who transform lives. Together, we can make countless wishes come true.
Your time and unique talents are critical to bringing strength and hope to wish kids when they need it the most. In fact, our volunteers are at the heart of every wish experience.
Make-A-Wish volunteers consider their work impactful and meaningful. And, their efforts are rewarded—not in dollars or cents, but in the incredible difference they make in the lives of our wish kids. Volunteers even have the freedom to choose when and how they would like to help transform lives in our communities within our chapter.
We understand that you want to volunteer but might not know where your skills and talents best lie. Check out our volunteer opportunities and see where you can best help make wishes come true.
EVENT VOLUNTEER
Fulfill various roles at special events throughout the year, from being a friendly face greeting others to running tasks behind the scenes.
OFFICE VOLUNTEER
Assist with various projects at our chapter offices, including phone calls, mailings and research.
SPECIAL PROJECT VOLUNTEER
Bring your professional skills on an as-needed basis to provide essential skills like graphic design, photography and more.
WISH GRANTER VOLUNTEER
Meet with wish kids and their families to be their constant connection throughout the wish journey.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Create your own unique impact by exploring other options with our team.
TRANSLATOR OR INTERPRETER
In each Volunteer Role we need bilingual volunteer support.
We are so excited that you want to become a Make-A-Wish Volunteer!
Your Make-A-Wish Journey Starts Today
At every level of our organization, volunteers play a vital role in helping us create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Follow the steps below to begin your volunteer journey.
Step 1: Watch the New Volunteer Orientation
Begin by watching our on-demand New Volunteer Orientation. You’ll learn more about Make-A-Wish, our mission, available volunteer opportunities, and what to expect throughout the onboarding process.
Watch the New Volunteer Orientation Here
Step 2: Complete the Orientation Questionnaire
After watching the orientation, complete the Orientation Questionnaire to let us know you have finished this first step.
Once your questionnaire has been received, our Volunteer Manager will email you a Volunteer Application and Conflict of Interest form.
Complete the Orientation Questionnaire
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Required Forms
Complete and return your Volunteer Application and Conflict of Interest form. These forms help us learn more about you, your interests, and the volunteer roles that may be the best fit for you.
Step 4: Meet With the Volunteer Manager
After reviewing your application, our Volunteer Manager will contact you to schedule a brief interview. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you, answer your questions, and discuss your volunteer interests.
Step 5: Complete the Requirements for Your Volunteer Role
Your remaining onboarding steps will depend on the volunteer role you choose. Some opportunities require a background check or additional role-specific training. Our Volunteer Manager will guide you through any additional requirements.
Some volunteers may or may not need a background check, depending on the chosen role and their responsibilities.
Additional Steps for Wish Granters
Prospective Wish Granters will complete the following additional steps:
- Complete Wish Granter Training
This role-specific training will prepare you to guide wish children and their families through the wish discovery process. - Complete a Background Check
After training, Make-A-Wish staff will initiate your background check. We typically ask volunteers to cover the $28 cost as a donation. If this presents a hardship, please let us know. We are happy to help. - Participate in a Volunteer Check-In
After completing your training and background check, you’ll have a brief check-in with the Volunteer Manager. This is an opportunity to answer any remaining questions, make sure you feel prepared to move forward, and determine whether you are ready to be paired with a mentor. - Begin Working With Your Mentor
Once onboarding is complete, you’ll be paired with an experienced Wish Granter who will support you as you begin your first wish assignment.
Welcome to the Make-A-Wish Family!
Once you have completed the steps required for your selected role, you’ll officially become a Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California volunteer. Thank you for joining us in creating hope and joy for children with critical illnesses and their families!
Wish Granter Training is offered once a month on a Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. Training is available to prospective Wish Granters who have completed the initial onboarding steps, as well as current Wish Granters seeking a refresher.
Upcoming Training Dates
- Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
If you are a prospective Wish Granter, the Volunteer Manager will help you register for training after you have completed the earlier onboarding steps.
Current Wish Granters who would like to attend a refresher training may use the registration form below.
Register for Wish Granter Training
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact our Volunteer Manager at mhoyt@ncc.wish.org.