Volunteer

Becoming A Volunteer

Make-A-Wish requires all volunteers to successfully complete our volunteer screening process. This standard protects our wish children, their families and our volunteers while demonstrating the high value we place on service. All potential volunteers must:

1. Either call our office at 631-585-WISH OR complete an online volunteer application.
2. Attend a volunteer orientation meeting to learn more about Make-A-Wish, its mission, and the availability of specific volunteer positions.
3. Provide three names for reference checking.
4. Pass a criminal background check. A $10 payment is required to cover the background check fee.
5. Meet with the Director of Community Relations to determine eligibility for placement.
6. Sign a confidentiality agreement and return it to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County office.
7. Sign a ‘Conflict of Interest and Ethics Statement’ and return it to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County office.

Volunteer Positions

Wish Granters

Children are referred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® by doctors, nurses, social workers, family, school personnel, etc. Once a wish child is medically qualified by a physician, a team of volunteers who are trained as wish granters, are assigned to fulfill the wish. The volunteer team interviews the family and completes the necessary paperwork to begin the wish process. Training is required (usually one evening for 2 hours at our office.) (Time commitment: 4 – 6 hr. min. per month.)

Kids For Wish Kids

One of our major ongoing commitments is the Kids for Wish Kids program. Schools and youth organizations (religious groups, scouting, etc.) throughout Suffolk County involve their children in community service and awareness events. Volunteers will assist our Kids for Wish Kids Coordinators to establish contact with new schools and youth groups and solidify existing relationships in the program. This position involves public speaking to groups of children and requires the flexibility to visit schools during daytime hours, and possibly speak to student/youth groups during evening or weekend hours. (Time commitment: 2 hours per month to as many as you can!)

Wish Kids Activities

Throughout the year, our Make-A-Wish “Wish Kids” coordinator arranges several special events for our wish families. Volunteers are needed to invite families (via phone or mail) and help out during the event itself. Examples are a special day at Splish Splash, Halloween Party, Holiday Party, Mardi Gras Party, etc. (Time commitment: 4 hrs. per month, usually an evening or weekend day.)

Public Relations Committee

If you enjoy writing, this is the place for you! Members write press releases relating to special events and wishes. They also write articles for our newsletter, Reflections. No Public Relations experience is required, but good writing skills are necessary. (Time commitment: Approx. 4 – 6 hrs. per month.)

Outreach Committee

Make-A-Wish Foundation® representation is requested all year long at various types of events, which helps increase community awareness. Some are Make-A-Wish sponsored fundraisers (such as our Angel Program) and others are community events or external fundraising events that we are invited to attend. A team of two volunteers is generally needed to sit at a table to answer questions and distribute Make-A-Wish Foundation® brochures. Opportunities will be listed in the monthly volunteer newsletter, “Wishline”. Outreach also includes visiting specialized schools, local hospitals and other organizations or support groups that may be able to assist in referring children with life-threatening medical conditions. (Time commitment: Usually a 2 – 4 hr shift on a Saturday or Sunday.)

Holiday Angel Campaign

Volunteers are needed to sign up for a 2-2 1/2 hour shift at either the Smithaven or Walt Whitman Mall for 10 days in December to help sell our Holiday Decorations created by our local wish kids. (Time commitment: 2-2 1/2 hour shifts in early December.)

Annual Spring Dinner Fundraising Committee

Volunteers are required to solicit company sponsorships and auction items for the night of the dinner. They are also needed to work the night of the dinner (to register guests or sell raffle tickets.) (Time commitment: 10-15 hrs. per month, from Jan – May.)

Holiday Party Committee

Volunteers are needed to solicit toys and gifts for wish children and their families. (Each wish child receives a special gift, selected just for him or her.) Especially helpful are volunteers with corporate or community contacts to organize toy drives. On the day of the event (usually a Saturday in early December) committee members help in a variety of ways from registering guests to handing out gifts and prizes. (Time commitment: 4 – 8 hrs. per month from September to December.)

Golf Tournament Committee

Volunteers are required to solicit company or individual sponsorships, raffle and auction items for the night of the dinner. Volunteers are needed to work the day and night of the event as well as invite golfers to the tournament.

East End Committee

Volunteers are needed to participate at various East End events, such as the Riverhead Blues Festival, Hampton Classic, and a local winery event in the fall. On the day of the event, committee members help in a variety of ways from registering guests to handing out gifts and prizes. Especially helpful are volunteers with corporate or community contacts to help sponsor these events as well as assist in the outreach to grant wishes to children on the East End. This committee will meet one Wednesday per month from January to August. (Time commitment: 4 – 8 hrs. per month from January to August.)

Office Assistance

Volunteers are needed on an “on-call” basis, Monday through Thursday from 9 to 5, and Friday from 9 to 4. Volunteers will assist with various responsibilities such as, assisting with mailing and small office projects.