Alison Correll has been awarded the 2024 Individual Commitment to Community Volunteer Award for her relentless diligence and inspiring compassion. The award recognizes individuals who foster connection and inclusion in their communities by raising awareness and support for wishes through referrals, volunteer recruitment, engaging community organizations, and providing wish granting support during the 2023 calendar year.

First learning about Make-A-Wish during sorority recruitment with Chi Omega at Western Illinois University, Alison has been involved in supporting Make-A-Wish for nearly a decade.

Last year, with Alison's assistance, ISU's Chi Omega chapter raised more than $96,000 for Make-A-Wish Illinois through their annual fundraiser. Her guidance and leadership demonstrate a true commitment to philanthropy.

Alison's passion lies in forming connections and creating memories with wish children and their families. She enjoys developing unique wish experiences for each child, cherishing the smiles and laughter these moments bring. One of Alison's favorite memories is when a wish child wished to have their own horse. 

"I feel like with every new wish child I meet, I learn new little things about myself and learn new ways to be creative to continue to be able to create the most personalized experience I can for each child and family." 

When not volunteering with Make-A-Wish Illinois, Alison works as a midnight 9-1-1 dispatcher in Bloomington. She also likes to spend time with friends and family, watching baseball, and advising her Chi Omega Chapter at Illinois State University on their philanthropy events that raising funds for Make-A-Wish.

"Seeing the smiles, hearing the laughs and thank yous are the absolute best part," Alison said of her volunteer experience. "I wouldn't trade those memories for anything!"