This month, we’re spotlighting the National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) Las Vegas Chapter as an exceptional volunteer group at our chapter. A community service organization that is making a difference for local nonprofits through its commitment, diligence, and dedication, the NCL has been a longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada in granting countless wishes for children in our community.

The NCL is a nonprofit that encourages community service and volunteering opportunities for mothers and their daughters in grades 7-12.  At any given time, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada counts on nearly 40 volunteers from the NCL to perform a variety of volunteer projects, such as designing wish kid posters, hosting wish reveals, and lending a helping hand at The Wishing Place, among others.

NCL member Cheryn Serenco and her daughters, Bree and Sage, were introduced to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada through an NCL volunteer project that tasked each of them with creating a themed poster for a child’s wish reveal. After taking a tour of The Wishing Place and learning more about the organization, the family was struck by the incredible wish child stories featured around the office. 

“Upon completion of making those posters, I noticed that each wish story stuck with me,” Cheryn says. “I was eager to return to learn more. I was curious about what wishes were coming up as every story was more compelling than the next. Most importantly, I was moved to learn how many children from our local chapter were waiting for their wishes to be granted.”

When a liaison position between Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada and the local NCL chapter became available, Cheryn immediately applied and joined the team shortly after. When Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada sends her a request for volunteer assistance, Cheryn places it on a virtual calendar on the NCL’s website where registered mother-daughter teams, based on their availability, can accept the assignment.

Cheryn says the most rewarding aspect of her and her daughters’ involvement is knowing their commitment to volunteering makes a big impact on the children receiving their heartfelt wishes.

“One of the most memorable wish-granting experiences we enjoyed was working with a family where we did not share a common language,” she says. “But boy, did we feel the elation displayed on that special day. The happiness that arose from each gift bag that was opened was clearly exhibited in her wide-eyed amazement and beautiful smile.

“She had undoubtedly counted down the days for this moment and used the momentum to heal her body,” Cheryn adds. “We were just as blown away by the family’s excitement as they were for their Wish coming true. It’s truly a juxtaposed emotional ride. You’re smiling and crying at the same time.”

Cheryn, her daughters, and the rest of the NCL Las Vegas chapter eagerly look forward to volunteering on even more wishes in the future and instilling joy among wish families in Southern Nevada.

Learn more about the National Charity League, Inc. Las Vegas Chapter here.