Volunteering
Overview
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Northeast New York is a grassroots organization that depends on our volunteers to fulfill our mission. We currently have over 250 volunteers that help us grant the wishes of children in the 518 area code.
Opportunities
There are many ways you can get involved in making wishes happen for our wish kids. See below for a brief description of some of our current opportunities.
Office volunteer—helps out with various administrative tasks in the office, usually on a regular weekly schedule. Requirements: dependability, great attitude, clerical and computer skills and daytime availability Monday through Friday.
Outreach—distributes materials to doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc. in an effort to spread the word about what we do and whom we serve. Possibly represent our organization at local health fairs.
Wish Granter—with another trained wish granter, meets with a qualified child to discover, plan, and fulfill the child’s one true wish. Wish granters commit their time to make the wish as unique as each child and a lasting memorable experience for each wish family. Best suits volunteers with creative energy and enthusiasm and the ability commit the necessary time needed to fulfill a wish. Requirements: must be 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and attend a six hour training; also—a criminal background check is performed on all wish granters.
Community Volunteer—occasionally throughout the year, helps at certain fundraising events such as Adopt An Angel, Freihofer’s Community Walk, and Cruise-Ins. Requirements: dependability and smiling faces!
Becoming a volunteer
Step 1 - Call our office so we can get some pertinent information from you, answer any questions you have, and talk to you about the volunteer process, such as when the next Volunteer Informational Meeting is being held.
Step 2 - Attend a Volunteer Informational Meeting. These meetings are offered every 2-3 months throughout our chapter territory.
Step 3 - Complete an application and other necessary paperwork.
Step 4 - We will then begin the screening process—telephone interview, reference check and criminal background check.
Once these steps are successfully completed, you can begin volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York. If you are interested in becoming a wish granter, you will be required to attend a training before beginning those duties. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Cindy Conley at (518) 782-4673 or cconley@neny.wish.org
