October 3, 2025
Jeff (far left) and Debbie (center) put together a creative send-off for wish kid Lilley's family as they departed for her wish trip.
Wish celebration volunteers often bring community groups together to create special experiences for wish children.
Volunteers create wish celebrations unique to each child.
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
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation - Learn about Make-A-Wish Illinois' mission to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses and how you can help. Register for an upcoming orientation on our Events page. If you cannot find a virtual orientation date that works for your schedule, contact Volunteer Program Coordinator Helena Wynn for accommodations.
- Fill Out Application - Once you have attended an orientation, you will receive a link to complete the volunteer application from a Make-A-Wish staff member.
- Complete a Criminal Background Check – Once we receive your completed application, you will receive information about the required background check through FirstAdvantage. As standard procedure, all volunteers and staff members are required to complete a background check for the safety of our wish children and families.
- Register for Wish Celebration Volunteer Training (Two Parts): When your background check is approved (1-3 days), you will receive a welcome message with a link to WishNet (our volunteer portal). Then, you may register for the live virtual training. Part 1 is self-paced (30 minutes) and part 2 is a live virtual training (75 minutes).
Upcoming Volunteer Events
