FAQs....About Volunteering

Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation offer volunteer opportunities?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York depends on the help of volunteers in every aspect of our work. Volunteers are involved in wish granting, fundraising, special events, outreach efforts, publicity, and helping out in the office.

What are the benefits of volunteering with Make-A-Wish Foundation?
Whatever volunteer position you assume at Make-A-Wish Foundation, you will know that your work helps to bring hope, strength, and joy to a child at a very difficult time in his or her life. You will meet and work with our dedicated staff and volunteers in a supportive and challenging atmosphere.

What roles do volunteers fill and how is placement determined?
Our Wish-Granting Volunteers work directly with children and families to fulfill wishes. Wish Assist Volunteers greet and assist out-of-town families whose child’s wish brings them to the New York area. Other areas in which volunteers help with our mission: Community Outreach, Interpreters, Wish Story Writing, Special Events and other fundraising coordination; administrative assistance to our office staff. For a complete list of volunteer roles please view the Volunteer Time & Talents section.

What type of training will I receive?
As a new volunteer, you will participate in a basic orientation session followed by special training for the specific volunteer role(s) you choose after the initial orientation

What is the time commitment expected of volunteers?
Volunteer commitments vary, depending on the volunteer role you decide to pursue. We make every effort to match your availability and level of commitment with the needs of your volunteer assignment. As a Make-A-Wish Volunteer, you are given the important task of making a child’s wish come true. It is important work; and we expect a high level of commitment and professionalism from all our volunteers. In return, the Make-A-Wish Foundation makes a commitment to you: We promise to provide quality training and the support and resources needed to do the work entrusted to you.

Are volunteers directly involved with the children and families?
Wish Granting Volunteers have the highest level of involvement with children and their families. They make the initial contact with the family, interview the family to determine the child’s most heartfelt wish, and coordinate the details of granting the wish with Make-A-Wish staff members. As a new volunteer, you will receive training and be mentored by an experienced volunteer to ensure that you are knowledgeable and comfortable in meeting and talking with the children and their families.

Are there volunteer positions that would not be so emotionally demanding?
There are many volunteer opportunities that do not involve direct contact with our wish kids and their families. In addition to wish granting, our volunteers are involved in fund-raising and special events, outreach efforts, publicity, and helping out in the office. Please see our Volunteer Job Descriptions. If you have a special skill or talent you would like to offer, please contact our Volunteer Development staff to see how you can become involved.

How do I apply?
We’re so glad you asked! To begin the process of becoming a Make-A-Wish Volunteer, please request for an application form by contacting our offices at the address below. You may also contact our offices by phone at 516/944-6212 x 103 or by email: jklein@metrony.wish.org Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York 1111 Marcus Avenue, Suite LL22 Lake Success, New York 11042

How long is the application process?
It usually takes two months from the time your application is received until the time you can begin as a Make-A-Wish Volunteer.