Volunteer Spotlight: Jon & Vicki L.
What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
We are wish granters and airport meet and greeters.
How did you first find Make-A-Wish?
I first heard about Make-A-Wish through a volunteer match website. We were looking for a new way to serve after our kids were in their twenties and moving forward with life. We have worked with kids for years including, coaching, Special Olympics and working with abused children. We felt we could help families that are struggling in this time of their life.
How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota?
We've been volunteering since 2018.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
It is very rewarding to have a chance to meet these brave kids and families and walk along with them through the wish process or make their trip through the airport less stressful. Especially when many families are flying for the first/second time in their lives, and it can be overwhelming. Families are very thankful for the gift of a wish and our assistance in the process.
What advice would you give to new volunteers?
1. Jump in - even though it can be intimidating when you first meet the kids with health challenges and their families – remember they are anxious as well.
2. Be flexible – we have met with families as wish granters at a coffee shop, at the hospital, at a library and even at our house.
3. Involve the community – Organizations/People really want to help these kids and families for the reveal party and boosts – just ask. As wish granters we are often thanked for letting organizations give us free things and participate in the party. We had a Firetruck show up for a reveal party during COVID. We have had donations of Dairy Queen Cakes, a pizza party at a local pizza shop, Dave and Buster's Party, and several Sam’s Club cakes and cookie trays donated.
What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
You never know who is touched through the process. I was at a Sam’s Club picking up a cake/cookie donation for a wish reveal and I met with a manager to thank them for their generosity. I asked him if he knew much about Make-A-Wish and what we do and I noticed a tear in his eyes. He said yes, he was familiar with the organization and that his son was given a wish the previous year and how much it meant to his son and the family. He then said that was shortly before his 10-year-old son passed away.