Volunteer
Volunteers are a valued, indispensable asset of our organization, and a primary reason we have been able to accomplish our mission for more than 25 years. Therefore, we genuinely appreciate that so many people want to be part of the magic of granting wishes by becoming a volunteer. Thank you very much.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please complete and return the Volunteer Information Form found at the end of this section. Based upon your interest and availability, as well as our needs and order of receipt, you will be invited to an orientation meeting where you will learn more about our foundation and how you might be able to support our mission.
Please note: Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, or college students. If you are younger and would like to help us make wishes come true, you can get involved in our Kids For Wish Kids program.
OUR CURRENT VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
• Fundraising volunteers who are assertive, outgoing individuals with a sales background, or strong connections in the business community, or applicable experience, who can assist us in developing new resources for silent auction items, and for event corporate sponsors. (See the job description below.)
• Office volunteers to assist with clerical, phone, mailing and other duties at the Make-A-Wish office one weekday morning or afternoon on an ongoing basis.
Please send your completed (individual) Volunteer Information Form to Becky Schilling or fax at (303) 755-3108.
If you are part of a group that would like to explore ways to volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, please complete the Group Volunteer Information Form, and return it to Becky.
- Download Make-A-Wish Volunteer Information Form
- Download Group Volunteer Information Form
Following are ways in which more than 150 volunteers are currently helping to make wishes come true.
- Ambassador
First and foremost, each volunteer is a representative of our foundation to the community, the “face” of Make-A-Wish. You are asked to take the opportunity whenever possible to share with others your commitment to an organization you believe in and support.
~Take seriously the responsibility to know your facts about everything from the wish granting process to all the ways a person can financially support us. We need you to be informed, enthusiastic, and passionate.
~Be a donor yourself.
~Attend events, and support promotions, such as car donation program; frequent flier mile donations; Things Remembered gifts, etc.
~Share MAW news & promotions through all the social media you use.
~Display MAW calendars, decals, stars – people will ask about them, and there’s your opportunity! - Wish Grantor
You have the opportunity to work with the wish children and their families. You help discover what the special wish is, assist the family with necessary and extensive paperwork, and serve as a liaison with the family and Make-A-Wish staff. In-service and ‘formal’ training is provided. Wish grantors work in teams. To be considered for this position, you are required to work with us as an active ambassador/event volunteer for at least six months to a year, and have a clear background check.
Qualifications: Dedication, teamwork skills, time, attention to detail, an active listener, problem-solving and communication skills, a vivid imagination and sense of humor; experience with children is preferred, but not required. Fundraising
The ideal candidate is comfortable with making requests for auction items, as well as in-kind and monetary donations. This volunteer has the expertise and time to take a leadership role in fundraising events, such as creating and producing new events, workplace giving campaigns, and/or Kids For Wish Kids projects. A clear background check is required.
Qualifications: Assertive, outgoing personality with sales background, strong connections in the business community and/or a passion for the mission of Make-A-Wish. Committed to taking on big assignments.- Special Events
Volunteers help with events sponsored by community organizations for the benefit of Make-A-Wish, as well as with the major events organized by MAW staff. Duties can include set up and clean up, registration of participants, selling tickets, raffle tickets or items, manning an information table, helping with silent auctions, and more! A clear background check is required.
Qualifications: Must be focused, hardworking, able to follow directions, flexible, & able to stick with assigned duties. Must have excellent customer service skills and know how to have fun! - Office Assistance
With a full time staff of only 10 people and no receptionist, we can use all the volunteer help we can get! Office hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Your talents can be utilized answering the busy phones, making calls, labeling, stuffing and addressing envelopes, making copies, filing, and taking on simple database entry projects, and assisiting the wish granting department.
Qualifications: We request that you donate a minimum of 3-4 hours per week on a regular basis if possible. Some previous office experience and basic computer skills are preferred. We’re a friendly and fun office – join us! - Speakers Bureau
You share our mission with civic organizations, local corporations, schools, and government agencies (for workplace giving presentations); accept donations and explain our work. One-on-one training, or a group training session will prepare selected people to be effective and successful spokespersons. Working at least 6 months as an active ambassador/event volunteer is required. A clear background check is required.
Qualifications: Must have strong public speaking skills, good people skills, and a solid information base about Make-A-Wish. Prior Make-A-Wish volunteer experience is required; wish granting experience preferred. Wish parents especially welcome.
