Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants wishes for children under 21 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. The foundation began in 1980, and has been granting wishes ever since. The purpose of these wishes is to change the lives of the kids who receive them. After speaking with a Make-A-Wish volunteer earlier this week, I have learned that it not only touches the lives of the children, but the lives of the volunteers and people involved in the foundation as well.

The volunteer who I had the pleasure of speaking with is a woman who volunteers for a Make-A-Wish chapter in Maryland. She shared with me how wonderful the foundation is, and how much she enjoys volunteering. After being wait-listed for a Virginia chapter of Make-A-Wish years ago, she was finally accepted as a volunteer for a chapter in Maryland. Once she was accepted she told me "It was a wish come true." She loves the foundation and enjoys meeting with the children and their families.

The volunteer I spoke with has the enjoyable responsibility of granting wishes. Two wish-granters are sent to the house of each child to interview the child and his/her family before granting the child's wish. These volunteers have the important job of guaranteeing that each child receives a life-changing wish that is a perfect fit for them.

One thing I was surprised to learn is how long the entire wish-granting process really is. It takes about a year for a child's wish to be granted. But luckily, these amazing volunteers know how to keep the child excited. Upon meeting the child, the wish-granters bring a gift for the child and small gifts for their siblings too. After the interview, a wish-granting party is thrown in the child's honor. The wonderful volunteer I spoke with explained to me how she keeps each child excited for their upcoming wish. One wish she granted was for an animal-loving boy. The wish-granting party was tailored to a safari theme, complete with animal-print balloons, safari themed toys , novelties and of course cupcakes and other snacks. She loves to make sure the theme of the party is a reflection of the upcoming wish. She also goes above and beyond and creates a special poem for each child. As time goes on, the wish-granters will send gifts and small toys and letters to keep the child motivated and excited.

Speaking with an incredible Make-A-Wish volunteer has proven that this foundation touches so many people's lives: the children themselves, their families, volunteers, donors and many others. If you want to become a part of this incredible organization click here for more information.