At Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida™, we are always looking for people to support us in our life changing mission of granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. And while donating, volunteering, and attending events are all great ways to join us in that mission, there are multiple other ways that you can support your local chapter.
In some cases, non-monetary donations are a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to granting a wish. From electronics to furniture assembly, here are just a few of the ways that you can support Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida through in-kind donations.
What Are In-Kind Donations?
In-kind donations are contributions of goods or services—rather than cash—to a nonprofit or charitable organization.
In many cases, in-kind contributions can expedite the time it takes to fulfill a wish, while ensuring that our wish kids receive the best possible care and attention. Donating time, money, or even physical items can also help donors and volunteers feel more connected to the cause, inspiring them to more future involvement!
Here at Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida™, we have seen the spiritual and mental impact that these donations have on our deserving wish kids and donors alike.
Most of the in-kind donations we receive fall under three categories: goods, services, and digital donations.
Goods
It costs around $10,000 to fulfill the average wish. By receiving in-kind donations of new, unused products, Make-A-Wish is able to stretch every dollar we receive so that we can grant even more wishes.
Here are just a few examples of items our wish kids love to receive.
Building Materials
Some of the most popular wishes that Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida receives are for things like movie rooms, bedroom makeovers, play houses, and more. By donating these items, you’ll be helping to provide a child with a space of their own to relax, play, and recharge.
Toys
Critical illnesses have a way of taking over a child’s life, leaving little time to enjoy simply being a kid. But a wish for an outdoor playset, bike, or other favorite toy can help put the sparkle back in their eyes.
Electronics
For an older child, gaming computers and consoles, iPads, and mobile phones provide entertainment as well as a much-needed distraction. They can also help provide a sense of normalcy in a world turned upside down by critical illness.
Gift Cards
When a child’s life is affected by critical illness, they often feel out of control. This may be why shopping sprees are some of the most popular wishes we receive. By donating gift cards to popular stores and restaurants, you can help a deserving child feel like they’re on top of the world!
Services
Every wish relies on the time and energy of an entire team. If you have a particular skill, your in-kind donation ensures that our wish kids receive the star-quality service they deserve.
This kind of support from volunteers truly embodies the spirit of Make-A-Wish, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can have a profound effect on a child’s emotional and mental well-being.
Here are just a few examples of in-kind services that help add magic and hope in the lives of our amazing wish kids.
Construction
For children living with a critical illness, special spaces like movie rooms, playhouses, and bedroom makeovers bring so much joy. For a child facing critical illnesses, a personalized space tailored to their interests and needs can provide a sanctuary where they feel safe, happy, and more like themselves.
If you have skills in construction, carpentry, or even an artistic talent like painting murals, donating your services to Make-A-Wish will ensure that their wish exceeds their expectations and raises their spirits.
Furniture Assembly
It may sound small, but assembling beds, dressers, desks, and other large furniture items for a new bedroom or playroom not only enhances their living space but also brings a sense of normalcy, comfort, and joy during challenging times.
Interior Design
When a child wishes for a space of their own, seeing their face light up at the reveal is as much a gift for the family and volunteers as it is for our wish kid!
If you have an interior design background, lending your services can take renovations to the next level, ensuring that these amazing children get the transformation they deserve.
Landscaping
When renovating an outdoor space for play and relaxation, Make-A-Wish likes to aim for a full transformation! Through landscaping, we can transform a backyard into a tropical paradise, a cozy cottage garden, or anything else our wish kids can dream up.
Hair Styling & Makeup Artistry
For children who have undergone medical treatments that affect their hair or skin, a simple haircut, a fun hairstyle, or a glamorous makeup session can create a feeling of normalcy and joy. Additionally, some pampering acts as a therapeutic escape, offering a chance to enjoy being a kid again.
The smiles and confidence that emerge from these sessions are priceless, capturing the essence of what Make-A-Wish strives to provide—moments of happiness and a break from their medical challenges.
Travel
From ski trips to New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York City, exciting trips and experiences play a huge part in bringing families closer and creating moments of fun and relaxation.
Consider donating your frequent flier miles, hotel loyalty points, or vacation rental to give wish families comfortable, luxurious transportation and accommodations in their dream destination.
Other Ways To Help
To give our wish kids the full “VIP” experience, we only accept new, unused items for donation.
However, you can still put your used items to good use! Host a garage sale or sell items online and donate the proceeds to Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. Contributions from individual donors make up nearly half of all Make-A-Wish donations nationally and help us continue our life-changing mission.
You Can Make a Difference
By donating goods, services, or time, each in-kind contribution to Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida plays a crucial role in not only fulfilling a child’s wish but also in providing them with joy and comfort during challenging times.
These donations go beyond mere material value—they represent a community’s collective effort to bring smiles, hope, and positive experiences to children who need it the most. As we’ve seen, every act of kindness, no matter the size, can make a significant difference.
Join us in our mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, one in-kind donation at a time.
