Volunteer
The Chicago chapter of A Special Wish is 100% volunteer operated. There is no paid staff. This presents a great opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved and make a difference.
We are always looking for members of the community to join us in our endeavors. Simply come to a meeting and you can participate in the events and activities that interest you.
Opportunities
Our primary focus is on granting wishes, so we need volunteers to work with the families and coordinate the wish of the child. Our volunteer wish granters will work hands on with the wish recipients and their families. These people make travel reservations, secure in-kind donations, obtain tickets for events, or work with major and smaller retailers to obtain items needed for the wish. They need to be compassionate, self-starters and motivated.
To grant the wishes, we need monetary support. Our second largest opportunity is with fundraising. Our fundraiser volunteers can chair an event or serve on a committee or simply participate in an event. They may come up with an idea, procure silent auction or raffle items, review venues and book talent. They may create the marketing and public relations tools needed to publicize the event.
Our organization is governed by a local volunteer board of directors. This consists of named positions of the president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. Additional people also serve on the board and have the responsibilities of public relations director, fundraising director, and communications director just to name a few.
If you do not want to head a committee or serve on the board, participating on a committee is very helpful and meaningful to the organization. People of various skill sets are always welcome and we will find a way to use your skills. Just let us know what you want to do to help.
Community and Professional Organizations, Schools and Churches
From golf outings to penny-jar races, local groups can make a commitment to helping a wish come true. Schools have held car washes, scout troops offer carnivals, community groups sponsor pancake breakfasts and corporations sponsor a specific wish through a donation drive at their offices. If your group, organization, church or school is interested in assisting us or sponsoring a specific wish child, please contact us.
How Much Time Will I Need to Commit?
As with all volunteer groups, you need only to commit to what you have time to do. Your commitment should average out to about two hours per month but some months will see a much larger number depending on which activity is your focus.
Volunteers dedicated to coordinating wishes can typically spend up to eight hours spread over several weeks granting a wish. Those who concentrate on fundraising tend to spend a few hours each month planning and executing tasks associated with an event. In the weeks before the event, that time commitment can be expected to increase significantly to ensure that all participants view A Special Wish Foundation as a professional organization making a difference in our community.
Meeting Times and Location
All meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month, except December. The location is the meeting room on the second floor of Whole Foods in Lakeview, 3300 N Ashland Avenue, Chicago Il. Meetings begin at 7:00pm. You are welcome to join the organization at any time during the year. To receive directions or more ask additional questions, please contact us.