Mission: 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.

Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida serves Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, Highlands, Monroe, Hendry, Glades, Collier and Lee. OUr biggest cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Key West, Naples, and Fort Myers counties. The average cost of a wish is $5,000.

The Kids for Wish Kids® (elementary, middle school ages) and Wishmakers® (high school and college ages) programs are fundraising programs implemented int he schools, religious organizations, and community/civic organizations to raise funds and community awareness on behalf of Make-A-Wish. For more information, fundraising ideas and forms, log onto: www.sfla.wish.org/spev-kidsforwishkids.htm or call 954-967-9474.

Volunteer Opportunities may include: assisting with programs and special events; preparing crafts; shelving books and other materials; and tutoring younger children.

Leader and Sidewalker. Students are needed to aid handicapped youngsters with riding instruction. Training is provided to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for both the rider and the volunteers.  (Prior horse experience is not necessary.)  Volunteers will be asked to commit to a specific riding class. Students to groom and feed the horses, clean the stalls, etc, are also needed. If you love horses, this is a great volunteer opportunity!

Translating/Tutorial Program:  Each Saturday morning students meet to help migrant families and local doctors communicate at the Caridad Health Clinic.  Students also help by baby-sitting children of patients while parents are busy with the doctor.  Often Spanish speaking students help older members of the families learn English.  Although open to everyone, this is an excellent opportunity for students in the Spanish curriculum to practice and perfect Spanish.

Boca Helping Hands provides bags of groceries from its food pantry and hot meals on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. In addition it provides more than 1000 sandwiches and snacks a week for the children in low-income, after-school, child-care facilities in the area. Shut-in meals are also provided. We welcome teen (16+) volunteers. The center is a wonderful place for students to volunteer because of its friendly and caring atmosphere.