The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Foundation’s mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, and entire communities.

Born in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy, Chris Greicius, fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 67 chapters in the United States and its territories.

Locally, the Central & South Texas chapter has granted over 2,500 wishes since it was founded in 1984. During fiscal year 2007, our volunteers and donors made it possible for 195 children in our area to experience the magic of a wish with 86% of every dollar raised going directly to wish granting. Children from 40 counties in the central and southern regions of Texas benefit from the efforts of this chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s services have been identified as a tool for delivery of best medical services possible to young children, as well as an avenue to promote family healing. Parents and medical professionals report each week that the services provided by Make-A-Wish make a difference in the child’s health care delivery, attitude, receptiveness, outlook, and overall disposition. When a child receives a wish, he or she experiences excitement, anticipation, comfort, and joy. These emotions can work miracles. A wish experience is often more than a dream come true: It’s the catalyst that rekindles the child’s belief in themselves and the promise of their future.

For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas and volunteering, visit centralandsouthtexas.wish.org, call 512-329-9474, or email dscrews@centralandsouthtexas.wish.org. Download the Volunteer Application (PDF)

— Hawk Mendenhall