Jacksonville is a city built on community, generosity, and a spirit of giving back. Whether through local fundraisers, charity events, or volunteering, this city has a long-standing tradition of coming together to support those in need.
That’s what makes Jacksonville the perfect place to celebrate World Wish Month—a time dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
Every April, Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida® invites the Jacksonville community to take part in this global celebration of hope, strength, and resilience. From raising funds and volunteering to simply spreading awareness, there are countless ways to make an impact and help bring more unforgettable wish experiences to life.
Want to be part of something truly special? Here’s how you can celebrate World Wish Month in Jacksonville and help make wishes come true.
What Is World Wish Month?
It all started on a single day in 1980, when a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius—who was battling leukemia—received his wish to become a police officer for a day. That single act of kindness not only inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but it also laid the foundation for a global movement that continues to change lives.
Today, Make-A-Wish operates in nearly 50 countries, granting thousands of life-changing wishes each year for children with critical illnesses. What began as one special moment has grown into an annual celebration that lasts throughout the month of April—World Wish Month.
The movement culminates on April 29—World Wish Day—the anniversary of Chris’s wish, which serves as a reminder of how a single wish can create a ripple effect of hope and healing.
But wishes don’t happen without the support of the community. By getting involved this April, you can help bring even more dreams to life for local Wish Kids right here in Jacksonville. Here’s how you can celebrate World Wish Month and make an impact.
How You Can Celebrate World Wish Month in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s strong sense of community and generosity makes it the perfect place to support World Wish Month. Whether you choose to attend an event, start a fundraiser, or make a donation, every effort helps grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
1. Sign Up for Walk for Wishes Jacksonville
One of the most exciting ways to celebrate World Wish Month is by participating in Walk for Wishes Jacksonville. This fun, family-friendly event brings together supporters from across the city to raise funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish. Every step taken helps bring more wishes to life for local children.
While the event takes place in May, signing up early is a great way to kick off your World Wish Month celebration.
2. Visit a Participating Business
Throughout April, many Jacksonville businesses partner with Make-A-Wish by donating a portion of their sales or hosting special promotions. Whether you’re dining at a local restaurant, shopping at a boutique, or visiting an entertainment venue, your purchase could help bring a wish to life.
Check with your favorite businesses to see how they’re supporting World Wish Month!
3. Host a Community Fundraiser
Jacksonville is known for its grassroots fundraising efforts, and World Wish Month is a great time to get creative. Whether you organize a fun run, trivia night, silent auction, or social media fundraiser, hosting an event is a meaningful way to engage your community while raising funds to help grant wishes.
4. Make a One-Time or Monthly Donation
If you’re unable to attend an event, you can still make a difference by donating directly to Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. Whether it’s a one-time gift, a recurring monthly contribution, or an in-kind donation, every dollar helps grant wishes for local children and their families.
5. Volunteer for Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish relies on dedicated volunteers to help bring wishes to life. From assisting at events to supporting the wish-granting process, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make an impact. No matter how you choose to participate, your efforts will help bring joy, hope, and strength to children facing critical illnesses.
No matter how you choose to celebrate World Wish Month, your support helps create unforgettable experiences for children in need. Ready to make a difference? Find out how you can get involved today!
Make Wishes Come True
Jacksonville’s community has already helped grant countless wishes, bringing joy, strength, and hope to children facing critical illnesses. But there are still so many dreams waiting to come true—and you can be part of making them happen.
Whether you donate, volunteer, or attend an event, your support during World Wish Month makes a real difference for local Wish Kids and their families. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create life-changing experiences that give children the hope and resilience they need.
Ready to be part of something truly special? Join us in celebrating World Wish Month and help make more wishes come true.
