August 3, 2026
Volunteers create wish celebrations unique to each child.
Wish celebration volunteers often bring community groups together to create special experiences for wish children.
Wish celebration volunteers are integral to locally granted wishes, like this shopping spree wish.
Planning a wish party can be fun and rewarding, resulting in wonderful memories for a wish family and new friends among volunteers.
Become a Wish Celebration Volunteer
Wish Celebration Volunteers work in pairs, partnering to establish a meaningful connection with the wish child and family to build hope and anticipation leading up to the child’s wish. Once a child’s wish is discovered, you will help your wish child by planning wish celebrations for two wish children per year.
The average assignment requires 1-2 hours each month, over the course of 1-6 months. Time investment typically includes coordinating with and getting to know the wish child and family, coordinating with your partner, and planning and carrying out meetings, boosts, send-offs, and celebrations.
Start Your Volunteer Journey
After a few easy steps, you'll be a volunteer with Make-A-Wish!
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Volunteer Orientation: Learn about Make-A-Wish Illinois' mission to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses and how you can help. You can either register for a live orientation session on our Events page OR watch our 21-minute On-Demand Volunteer Orientation at your convenience.
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Application: After completing the orientation (live or on demand), you will receive a link (or scan the QR code) to the volunteer application.
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Background Check: As part of our standard procedure, all volunteers and staff members are required to complete a background check every three years. After submitting your application, a background check from First Advantage (Make-A-Wish, DoNotReply@fadv.com) will be sent to you via email.
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Register for Wish Celebration Volunteer Training (2 parts):
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Self-paced training (30 minutes)
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Live virtual session (75 minutes)
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Upcoming Volunteer Events
