550 Kids Wait for Make-A-Wish Volunteers in WA & Alaska

More than 550 children battling critical illnesses across Washington and Alaska are waiting for their wishes to come true, and volunteers are the key to making it happen.

Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington grants life-changing wishes to critically ill kids every single day. But right now, the organization faces a critical shortage of volunteers needed to turn those dreams into reality.

The volunteer roles range from wish granters who meet with families to discover what brings each child joy, to helpers who coordinate logistics and plan the big reveal. Each volunteer becomes part of a child's journey during one of the most challenging times in their young life.

Teresa Purdue and Susie Naye know this impact firsthand. As longtime Make-A-Wish volunteers, they've witnessed how granting wishes creates powerful connections that extend far beyond the initial meeting.

The emotional rewards flow both ways. While children get to experience joy and hope during difficult treatments, volunteers gain perspective and purpose by being part of something truly meaningful.

Why This Inspires

In a world that often feels divided, Make-A-Wish volunteers prove that strangers can come together to create pure magic for kids who need it most. These aren't professional wish granters or paid staff. They're neighbors, coworkers, and everyday people choosing to spend their free time bringing smiles to children facing the unimaginable.

The math is simple but powerful: 550 waiting children divided by thousands of potential volunteers in two states equals an opportunity for anyone to make a real difference. No special skills required, just a willingness to show up and help turn a sick child's biggest dream into reality.

Every wish granted sends ripples of hope through families navigating the stress and fear of critical illness. Parents get to see their children light up with excitement instead of medical worry, if only for a precious moment.

Together, these volunteers are building a community where no critically ill child has to wait too long for their wish.