Meet Make-A-Wish volunteer Devin Ellis! After growing up in Kentucky and North Carolina, Devin lived in Austin before moving to Dallas to work in the technology and service industry. He enjoys spending time in nature, exploring coffee shops, going to museums and playing sports.

Devin had heard about Make-A-Wish and reached out to see how he could get involved. He decided to start volunteering as a wish granter in 2018 and attended his first event, which was designed to connect volunteers with potential wish kids. There, he met wish kid Chris and started working on his first wish.

“I helped an amazing kid named Chris with his wish. He is such a sharp and energetic person and very smart. Helping him was truly heart-warming and I’m so glad he was able to travel to Disney World given the challenges he continues to face,” he said. “I was blown away by the maturity, energy, and wisdom he had. He is super strong and smart, and I know he will continue to have a positive impact on the world.”

Devin is continuously inspired and amazed by our wish kids.

“Their courage and attitude facing life with the challenging situations they are in is truly admirable. They may have doubts and fears like we all do as humans, but they are so brave in the face of that. I want to help MAW contribute to their empowerment and share how much of an inspiration they are,” he shared.

Devin has helped children find joy and hope through their wishes, and in return, he has been encouraged by their journeys.

“Volunteering with Make-A-Wish has made me more humble, grateful, and determined to do more good in the world. Working with the kids challenges me to be the best person I can be. It makes me ask ‘If they can do the things they are doing with their challenges, what can I be doing in a more courageous way or with a better attitude?’” he shared.

Beyond granting wishes, Devin hosts networking and job search training sessions for Make-A-Wish interns. He enjoys connecting people and introducing them to tools they can use to be successful.

“I have been able to share my knowledge with the interns at Make-A-Wish. I hope my knowledge will help them do even more amazing things and increase their empowerment to give back to the world,” he said.

Make-A-Wish is beyond grateful for Devin and how he uses his strengths to give back to the community and wish kids!

“I am truly moved by this Make-A-Wish volunteer experience. And if I can do more things like this in life, then it will be a life well-lived,” he shared.

Devin encourages his friends and family to learn more about Make-A-Wish and sign up to volunteer. Do you want to join the Make-A-Wish volunteer family? Sign up here!