At Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida™, fulfilling our mission of granting wishes to children with critical illness is at the heart of everything we do, and we are always in search of individuals who are able to contribute to the cause.
Although fundraisers, events, and volunteer opportunities are essential to our operation, there are numerous other ways that you can help! In-kind donations—from donating building supplies to assembling furniture—play an integral role in bringing a child’s wish to life.
What Are In-Kind Donations?
In-kind donations are charitable contributions of goods or services rather than cash.
Accepting non-monetary donations not only allows us to fulfill wishes more quickly, it also ensures that our wish kids receive star-quality care and attention during the time they need it the most. We’ve also found that donating time, money, or even physical items helps donors and volunteers feel more connected to the organization and inspires a wave of action that increases our reach.
Here at Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida™, we have seen the 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
Fulfilling the average wish costs between $8,000-$10,000. However, in-kind donations of new, unused products allows Make-A-Wish to put cash contributions to use elsewhere. As a result, we can fulfill more wishes and stretch every dollar we receive.
Here are just a few examples of items our wish kids love to receive.
Building Materials
Wishes for things like movie rooms, playhouses, and bedroom makeovers are very popular among our wish kids. Donating lumber, nails, drywall, and other building materials helps give a child their own special place to relax, recharge, and enjoy being a kid again.
Toys
Between doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, and the toll of a critical illness, our wish kids are often robbed of the chance to enjoy a normal childhood. By the time they are feeling better, many are eager to catch up on all that life has to offer.
Donating an outdoor playset, bike, or other favorite toy can help put the sparkle back in their eyes.
Electronics
For an older child, electronics are more than just entertainment, they’re a much-needed distraction from a life turned upside-down. Donations of gaming computers and consoles, iPads, and mobile phones help provide a sense of normalcy.
Gift Cards
Children living with a critical illness are used to hearing the word “no.” But at Make-A-Wish, we want to be able to offer them a resounding “yes!”
Shopping sprees are just one of the many ways that these amazing children can get back a sense of control. Donating gift cards to popular stores and restaurants can help a child feel like they’re on top of the world!
Services
If you’ve spent time developing a certain skill, your in-kind donation of time, energy, and expertise will help give our wish kids the level of service and care 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
Special spaces like playhouses, movie rooms, and newly renovated bedrooms bring so much joy to children living with a critical illness. Having a sanctuary where they can feel safe and happy does so much for a child’s mental health and wellbeing during a difficult time.
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
While not many consider furniture assembly a “skill,” providing this service is an indispensable part of improving a child’s living space. For many kids, simply adding a new bed, dresser, or desk can bring a feeling of comfort and normalcy.
Interior Design
Seeing a child’s face light up when their new room is revealed is just as rewarding to their family as it is to them!
Donating your interior design services allows us to make these transformations more jaw-dropping than ever.
Landscaping
Outdoor spaces are a popular wish for children of all ages. When granting these wishes, we don’t want to hold anything back!
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
Every one of our wish kids—regardless of their age or medical condition—has moments when they feel self-conscious, especially if they have undergone medical treatments that affected their hair or skin.
Yet something as simple as a new hairstyle, makeup look, or spa session can put a smile on a child’s face and confidence in their heart.
Travel
Exciting trips aren’t just a fun experience for our wish kids, they’re a great way to bring families together and promote 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.
