Wish granters support wish families and staff in numerous ways throughout the wish journey. Typically paired up with a partner, they can volunteer on a wish from start to finish or help with more specific tasks such as helping a wish child discover a wish, completing paperwork with the family or acting as a liaison between Make-A-Wish staff and the wish family during the wish process. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed for this role.

Las Estrellas is a group of bilingual volunteers focused on providing a high-quality and culturally appropriate wish experience for our Spanish-speaking families. Additional goals of this group are to recruit more Spanish-speaking volunteers and spread awareness of Make-A-Wish in the Spanish-speaking community. 

Office volunteers contribute to the mission by assisting with data entry, research, mailings, phone calls and other administrative tasks in our offices. 

Event volunteers support signature Make-A-Wish fundraising events such as our annual gala and other community events. Volunteering at an event provides an inside look into the fundraising side of the foundation. Volunteers need to have a flexible evening or weekend schedule for this role.    

Medical outreach volunteers review the medical summary of kids wishing to travel to help identify potential complexities such as required medical equipment or any complicating factors that could arise during the flight or upon arrival. This role requires knowledge of medical terminology and equipment in the pediatric population.    

You can help elevate a child's wish experience by using your professional expertise and network to help offset the cost of a wish. This can be achieved through industry discounts, pro-bono/in-kind services, and valuable connections in industries such as interior design, construction, computers, event planning, and so much more. You'll be a liaison between staff and vendors as specialized purchases are considered. We rely on our partners in the business community to supply the wished-for goods and services that bring such joy to the children we serve.  

Use your personal or professional skills in much-needed areas such as drafting or proofreading in a language you’re fluent in, photography, landscaping, painting, assembling furniture and much more in support of a wish.    

Open to wish alumni and their families, you can represent Make-A-Wish and share your wish experience at external outreach and fundraising events. 

Community connectors are community leaders raising awareness and support of the Make-A-Wish mission throughout their networks. They foster strategic volunteerism and engagement within their community – especially in the recruitment of bilingual volunteers. They connect Make-A-Wish with potential referral sources, donors and vendors. Members are required to attend wish-granting training.  

Medical professionals with an M.D., D.O., N.P. or P.A. designation may volunteer on our Medical Advisory Council (MAC). The MAC reviews medically complex wishes to highlight any areas of concern and to suggest additional precautions, speaking with the child’s treating physician directly if necessary. We also ask our MAC members to review any upcoming wish policy or wish guideline updates and share suggestions or concerns for implementation.

The Young Professionals Program (YPP) is a dynamic community of early and mid-career individuals in the New York City area who give generously to support wish kids in their battle with critical illnesses. Members have a collective goal: to work with like-minded professionals to give back while enjoying the opportunity to network, socialize, volunteer and have a fantastic time, all for a great cause! To learn more about joining the YPP please reach out to Caroline Ver Planck at [email protected].