Make-A-Wish North Dakota is proud to support wish kids with the help of amazing volunteers throughout our statewide communities.
One of those volunteers is Tara Hart, a volunteer who serves in a variety of roles. To celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we sat down with Tara to get her perspective on volunteering and how she became part of the Make-A-Wish community.
What inspired you to get involved with Make-A-Wish?
One of my best friends in Nebraska was in cancer remission when her young daughter, Aspen, was diagnosed with cancer. After Aspen was diagnosed, she was referred to Make-A-Wish. As I watched them navigate that journey, I began to notice the small moments that brought Aspen joy and helped make surgeries, medical appointments, and therapy more manageable. Seeing her wish come true was a truly unforgettable experience for both her and her family.
When I moved to North Dakota, I wanted to be intentional about how I volunteered and find an organization that truly aligned with my values. Make-A-Wish immediately stood out as a place where compassion, joy, and meaningful impact come together for families who need it most. During my volunteer interview, I was especially grateful that the Volunteer Director, Angie, took the time to thoughtfully walk through each role, explaining both what they involved and the specific needs in Minot. That conversation helped me clearly see where I could best contribute my time and solidified that Make-A-Wish is where I was meant to serve.
Make-A-Wish immediately stood out as a place where compassion, joy, and meaningful impact come together for families who need it most.
One of the roles you serve in is airport greeting. In your opinion, how does having a friendly face at the airport add to a kiddo's wish experience?
I love helping wish kids and their families navigate the airport as they prepare for their wish. There are often many emotions surrounding the trip, and for some families, it is their first time flying. Being a smiling, welcoming presence, assisting with luggage, and cheering them on as they board the airplane allows me to help create an unforgettable beginning to their experience.
We also have incredible partners on the Minot Airport administrative team, who truly go above and beyond. They literally roll out a red carpet and provide a dedicated check-in line, making each wish kid feel like a VIP. It is a true team effort between airport staff and airline employees, all working together to celebrate our wish kids. Hearing applause and cheers as a wish kid boards the plane is such a joyful and meaningful moment.
I also greet wish kids and their families when they return home. Standing there with a sign, ready to hear about their trip, is something I truly cherish. Seeing their exhaustion paired with such genuine, joyful smiles is a powerful reminder of the impact of a wish and the memorable experiences Make-A-Wish North Dakota provides.
Is there a moment that stands out to you that highlights the impact of Make-A-Wish on the lives of wish kids?
There are so many meaningful moments, but one that stands out is working with wish kid Natalee and her family. Her siblings were also wish kids, and in fact, my very first time airport greeting was for her sister. When I first met Natalee, she completely exceeded my expectations. She was incredibly talkative, full of personality, and brought so much laughter to our first wish exploration meeting. She was ready and excited to share her wish with us.
We worked with Natalee and her family for nearly a year and a half before her wish was granted. Her wish reveal took place at her school, surrounded by her classmates. We wanted the day to feel like her celebration while also engaging and educating more than 30 elementary students. The teachers and school administration were incredibly supportive and helped us create a meaningful surprise.
The day was filled with games, coloring, popcorn, and a Stitch theme to celebrate her upcoming wish. Her classmates were genuinely excited for her, and the energy in the room was incredible. Natalee kept telling her mom that it was the best day ever, even before her wish had taken place. The support from her school community was inspiring, and they even organized a bake sale the following week to benefit Make-A-Wish.
That day gave Natalee a sense of joy and love that momentarily lifted the weight of the medical challenges she has faced and will continue to face. That next week, her mom shared photos from their trip to Disney World, capturing them fully embracing every moment. Seeing and hearing about their happiness is exactly why I volunteer. I am a WishMaker.
On a personal level, how has being involved with Make-A-Wish changed your life?
Each wish kid holds a special place in my heart. Getting to know them and learning what brings them joy, even as they face significant medical challenges, is a deeply personal and meaningful experience. It is a privilege to be invited into a small part of their journey.
We all have days in life that feel difficult, but when I think about our wish kids, I am reminded of their incredible strength. Despite treatments, appointments, and uncertainty, they continue to go to school, spend time with siblings and friends, and simply be kids. Being a kid is not always easy, and they face it all with remarkable courage and resilience.
Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of being intentional with my time and cherishing every moment with the people I love.
It is a privilege to be invited into a small part of their journey.
