Meet an Alabama boy whose wish came true + find out how you can bring dreams to life with Make-A-Wish Alabama, August 27
Reading time: 5 minutes
Sponsored
If you thought only genies could grant wishes, think again—you can help bring dreams to life when you volunteer with Make-A-Wish Alabama. Get to know Dalton, one Alabama boy whose wish came true, then find out why volunteers love Make-A-Wish Alabama. Plus, make plans to join the Volunteer Summit in Birmingham on Saturday, August 27.
Granting wishes to thousands of children
Even if you personally aren’t familiar with Make-A-Wish Alabama, you probably know someone whose life has been impacted by the organization—whether their wish was granted or they volunteer. Make-A-Wish Alabama is the Alabama chapter of a national organization that brings wishes to life for children with critical illnesses.
From trips to Disney World to meeting favorite celebrities, each wish is important to bringing joy to the children and families going through a difficult time.
“It truly brings a special purpose to my life to be able to help make a lifelong impact on a child’s life. It is so special to be able to see families come together and just for a moment put aside everything that’s going on in their child’s life and enjoy the wish together.”
Miranda Quinn, Volunteer, Make-A-Wish Alabama
These Wishes are life-changing, but they can’t happen without support from people like you. One wish is granted every 48 hours in Alabama. Plus, it takes plenty of people and volunteers to put those wishes in motion.
More than a treehouse—meet Dalton & Tyler
Dalton, a DeKalb County 10-year-old, loves spending as much time as he can outdoors. Dalton is currently facing leukemia, so the Make-A-Wish team pulled together to build an amazing treehouse in his yard so he can explore, play and enjoy time with his family.
Tyler Mask, the wish’s project manager, first experienced Make-A-Wish Alabama when his family members worked with the nonprofit to build a greenhouse for a young girl with leukemia.
“It was a powerful moment for me, personally, and I thought to myself, I’ve got to do more of this. I’ve been very blessed in my life to be where I am and to do what I do. I personally feel like it’s my duty to give back, and part of my servant’s heart is trying to help people, especially young people, who are sick.”
Tyler Mask, Make-A-Wish Alabama volunteer + Brasfield & Gorrie project manager
After his first experience, Tyler knew he wanted to be even more hands-on, so he joined the North Alabama Regional Advisory Council for Make-A-Wish Alabama. As the project manager for this wish, he met with Dalton to find out what he wanted, then brought in local architects to design the treehouse. Plenty of subcontractors and vendors that Tyler has worked with through Brasfield and Gorrie jumped at the chance to help, too!
After four weekends, the treehouse was completed, and members of the community came together for the reveal.
“If you could bottle up the feeling you get and sell that, you’d be a millionare.”
Tyler Mask, Make-A-Wish Alabama volunteer + Brasfield & Gorrie project manager
Sold on the impact of Make-A-Wish Alabama? You can give back by signing up as a volunteer or donating today!
How can I volunteer?
Okay, so you’ve heard about just how important this nonprofit is—now, it’s time to find out how you can get involved. There are different ways to volunteer, so no matter what you’re passionate about, you can give back.
- Event volunteer: Help set up and break down equipment, auction items + more for Make-A-Wish events.
- Project manager volunteer: Lead any construction-related wishes (like Dalton’s treehouse) + work with vendors to build the projects.
- In-kind volunteer: Meet with businesses + make phone calls to obtain donations + discounts related to wish needs.
- Wish boost volunteer: Mail or drop off care packages + enhancements related to the wish.
- Shopping spree lead volunteer: Complete all purchases for wishes + keep receipts organized, as well as coordinate the meal + reveal.
- Shopping spree assistant volunteer: Help the lead stay organized + engage with the family.
- Wish reveal volunteer: Present the wish to the family + organize the setting for the reveal.
- Office volunteer: Conduct office-related tasks + organize items.
Whether you love working with people or you have color-coded spreadsheets, there’s a way to volunteer that will be perfect for you.
Register for the Make-A-Wish Alabama Volunteer Summit, August 27
Ready to learn more about how YOU can get involved? Head to the Make-A-Wish Alabama Volunteer Summit for:
- Mission moments with wish families
- Celebrations of this year’s milestones
- Breakfast, lunch + snacks
- Comprehensive volunteer training so you’ll leave the Summit fully prepared to start granting wishes!
It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the families who are affected by this mission, and network with other volunteers.
“I would say to the person who is trying to decide on whether or not they should become a volunteer: What are you waiting for? To be able to see that child have the biggest smile on their face when their wish comes true is truly life changing.”
Miranda Quinn, Volunteer, Make-A-Wish Alabama
Register for the Make-A-Wish Alabama Volunteer Summit today, and be sure to check out their website, Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Sponsored by:
