Volunteer Descriptions

Volunteering is a great way to help. We invite you to share the power of a wish^® whether you can give a few hours each month or a few days each year.

You can help make the wishes of special children come true in your local community when you become a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Central and Northern Florida. With a small daily staff, our mission is only possible with the dedication of our wonderful and talented volunteers.

What do volunteers do? …EVERYTHING!

* Provide leadership at every level
* Meet with Wish Children
* Raise money
* Plan events
* Recruit
* Train and mentor volunteers
* Make presentations
* Administrative support
* Hold a Wish Child’s hand
* Listen

Make-A-Wish^® is dependent on its team of generous and high level volunteers who not only form teams to work directly with the Wish Children but who work on behalf of the chapter as leaders at all levels and in all areas to fulfill the mission.

Volunteer Roles:

Become a Wish Granter: Wish Granters work directly with the children and their families to determine the child’s one true wish and then play an instrumental role in helping to plan, create, and fulfill the child’s wish. These specifically trained volunteers make the wish an unforgettable experience through their attention to detail and imagination. Wish Granters volunteer their time around their own schedule. You must be at least 21 years old.

Help plan a Signature Event: Committee volunteers work together to ensure that our Annual Signature Events are successful. Committee members collaborate on all details of the event from concept creation to planning and execution. Signature Events contribute remarkably to our Chapter’s ability to continue granting magical wishes. Help support Make-A-Wish^® in a fun and rewarding way by becoming a member of a Signature Event Committee! List of Signature Events provided upon request. You must be at least 16 years old.

Enlist in our Speaker’s Bureau: Increase awareness of the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® and our Volunteer and Fundraising Programs by speaking from your own personal experience at local schools, chamber meetings, and interest groups. Prior Make-A-Wish^® volunteer experience required.

Assist at an Event: Our Chapter is involved in a variety of community events throughout the year that raise money to support wishes. Events include golf tournaments, fashion shows, walks, and much more! Join our Volunteer Email List and you’ll get the flexibility to select which events are of interest to you. Day-of-the-event activities range from live & silent auction support to helping with registration. You must be at least 16 years old.

Get involved with Kids for Wish Kids: This program is geared towards students (elementary thru graduate students) looking for community service/involvement with the primary focus of raising funds to make more special wishes come true! Fundraising activities are endless - (bake sales, talents shows, school dances, etc.) students are encouraged to be as creative as possible! Parents and teachers may serve as advisors for these programs.

Volunteer as an Airport Greeter: Welcome Wish Families from around the world to the Central Florida Area. Meet and welcome families at the Local International Airport and make them feel comfortable when arriving for their magical wish experience. You must be at least 18 years old.

Provide Office Support: Periodically, we are in need of volunteers that are able to assist with office duties, administrative tasks, and special projects. Depending on current need, set up a steady schedule, work with one specific employee, or contact us when you have time available. You must be at least 16 years old.

Apply for an Internship: Internships provide college students with hands-on learning opportunities. Students interested in a career in the non-profit sector will find a wealth of experience. Internships are available in our local chapter offices. Click here to discover internship openings.

Grant Writer/Researcher: Suncoast Tampa Bay office is in need of a volunteer to research and write grants. Set your own schedule, on or off site working, and help us secure funds to grant wishes. Email Kristin See for more information or to apply.

Graphic Designer: If you have a background or strong experience in graphic design, the Suncoast Tampa Bay office could use your support for your new fiscal year efforts. Duties include redesign of PowerPoint presentation, logo development and event support material designs. Email Kristin See for more information or to apply.
For more information on all volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator in your region:

Pamela Pinder: Volunteer Coordinator over Northeast, Central and Space Coast Regions
407.622.4673 x201
888.874.9474
407.622.5803 fax
ppinder@wishcentral.org