I want to help….What’s next?  
Your time and dedication to Make-A-Wish will help make a difference!
Here is how to get started:

Step 1: Explore the possibilities…if you see something you like to help with, contact us! 
*Check out the ways to help section below to discover the many ways you can volunteer with our organization.
*Once you have decided that the foundation’s volunteer program is a match for you, please contact 800-760-WISH or email lpiller@nebraska.wish.org to sign up for the next new volunteer orientation.
* New Volunteer Orientation is required and at that time you will receive your volunteer application.

Step 2:  Complete your Application
*Once you have received your application, please complete and mail back to us. 
*As soon as we receive it, we will begin to
contact your references you have provided.  Letters are mailed to your references, so please provide complete contact information to
prevent delays in the process and notify your references to expect a letter from Make-A-Wish.
*We will then run a background check for volunteer opportunties that have an asterick by them (see next page under different volunteer opportunities) and approve you based on your reference letters and background check
 *We will then contact you after you are approved and notify you of any additional training dates required, based on your interests.
 
Step 3:  Join our team & begin to help
wishes come true!
*As you begin your volunteer work, you’ll find that your on-the-job experience will help you share the power of a wish. 
* Additionally, we will be in constant contact with you about other volunteer opportunities (via email), events and “perks” including ongoing trainings as needed and activities.
**Always be sure to check your emails for upcoming events and opportunities as this is the primary way we keep in touch with our volunteers, also it is imperative to contact our chapter office anytime your contact information has changed in order for you to be updated in our system.    
With many different volunteer opportunities and time commitments, we will work together to find a place for you once you have sucessfully completed our volunteer orientation and
application process. 

The following volunteer positions describe the many ways volunteers are involved in making wishes come true.

WISH GRANTER* : Meet with the child to discover, plan and fulfill a wish.  Wish Granters work in teams of two and use resources wisely by seeking donated services or goods appropriate for each wish.  These volunteers commit their time to make the wish as unique as each child, and a lasting, memorable experience for each wish family by
utilizing creative energy, entrepreneurial enthusiasm, and the ability to give freely of their time.  Wish Granters must be at least 21 years old and pass a mandatory criminal
background check. 

OFFICE & CLERICAL: Join our office staff team to help with clerical duties such as stuffing envelopes, copying, organizing, filing or other special office projects.  Best suits volunteers with office skills and weekday availability.
CURRENT WEEKDAY NEEDS: Mondays and Thursdays Mid-morning to Mid-afternoon.

AIRPORT GREETER* : Meet and greet the families the night before their wish trip departure to help with any last minute questions and also greet them at the airport after their trip.  Flexibility is required as some flights get delayed and some changes occur in travel schedules.

ROOM DECORATOR : Decorate the hotel room for the arrival of a wish child.  Supplies are provided, just bring your energy and creativity.  Decorating hours are generally between 12pm-3pm and it usually takes about one hour to complete.

 SPEAKERS BUREAU* : Throughout the year, volunteers are needed for various speaking engagements, volunteer fairs, school assemblies etc. Speakers Bureau members must be comfortable speaking in groups of 5-500 people and be able to help create awareness of Make-A-Wish. 

 SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER: Our chapter has fundraising events throughout the state.  Events vary in time and location, but include parades, golf tournaments, and various other events sponsored by local corporations or individuals.

WISH MEMORY MAKERS: Each wish child receives a
keepsake memory album that includes many photos of the wish.  Creative and experienced scrapbookers are needed to “sum it up” in a beautiful keepsake memory album.  Volunteers meet monthly in Omaha to exchange ideas and supplies, but memory makers can live anywhere in the state. 
***Please note, volunteer opportunities listed above with an asterick require a mandatory criminal background check which is a one time fee of $27.95 and due at the time application is turned in.

Many of our volunteer opportunities are long term and require a New volunteer orientation and other training sessions to become a volunteer. 

We have a very limited number of service project hours available throughout the year for high school and college students needing 10-15 hours of community service. If you wish to be added to the volunteer e-newsletter for upcoming events and ways to help through service projects, please email lpiller@nebraska.wish.org.   All volunteers are required to attend training session prior to completing scheduled service hours.

For more information on all volunteer opportunities, please contact the chapter’s Volunteer Coordinator:
Lauren Piller                                                                                                               lpiller@nebraska.wish.org
402-333-8999 ext. 11
Toll Free at 800-760-WISH(9474)
By post mail:
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Nebraska
11926 Arbor Street, Suite 102
Omaha, NE 68144